Expert: Dorothy H, LCCE - 6/29/2010

Question
i am 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant, i have been having off and on cramping (period like) and back pain, i also had a small amount of brown discharge but then nothing and feeling normal again? it is my second child and i was induced for the first labor so im not sure of these signs and if they mean anything...im getting impatient and wondering if im close to the end?

Answer
I'm so sorry for the delay; I had a very busy week and wasn't able to get to my allexpert questions.

If you've already had your baby:
Yes, you were close to the end. :)

If you are still pregnant:
Cramping is a good sign that your body is getting ready!  Unfortunately, it doesn't tell you whether you're going into labor tomorrow, or 2 weeks from now.

Brown discharge is likely a result of a recent vaginal exam or possibly sex.  

Most women at the end of pregnancy want to be done.  It is very normal to feel impatient and just want the pregnancy to be over! As long as you and your baby are healthy, it is best to wait to go into labor on your own - it decreases your chance of a cesarean, your labor will be less painful, and you know for sure that it is the right time for your baby to be born.

Some things you can try to get your body ready for labor:
Relaxation
Sex
Walking
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Watching an emotional movie
There are also certain foods that allegedly can help you get ready for labor - pineapple, spicy food, etc.

Hang in there!  You WILL have your baby soon.

Sincerely,

Dorothy :)