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Childbirth/37 weeks and labor??

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Expert: - 1/6/2009


Question
I am on my third child. I am 37 weeks today and I have been having braxton hicks for over a month now. They seem to be getting stronger, I'm not sure I've lost my mucus plug. I can't tell, with my first it fell in a complete clump on the shower floor, with my 2nd I never seen it. Lastnight I had pain in my lower abdominal area but not in my back. I also began having bowel movements, not loose but certaintly not hard. The b.m's continue today and I'm having occasional B.H's. I am so ready for labor but is my body? My next OB appt. is Friday but my doctor seems a little dim witted to me. Please help. Thanks!

Answer
Tenille,

This could be the beginnings of labor or you could be experiencing prodromal labor, where the body is getting ready for the real thing.


Being 37 weeks, if you go into labor, no one will try to stop it at this point.  All the symptoms you're describing are your body getting ready for labor, which could start today or in a few weeks still.


To learn more about prodromal labor, try this article:  http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/prodromal-labor.html


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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