Is Diarrhia a Sign of Labor?

Updated on March 30, 2010
A.F. asks from APO, AP
14 answers

I am also having really bad contractions about 4-6 minutes apart, well at least I was. (they have stopped now) but I was wondering if Diarrhea is a sign of impending labor?

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H.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

My body always cleaned itself out the day of delivery! I don't know if everyone does but mine does!

But you could also just be dehydrated! Dehydration can cause labor also.

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J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

When I went into labor with my daughter I started have contractions and then I had diarrhea. When I went into the hospital I asked the nurse about that and I was told that ,that was a way your body cleans it's self out while in labor. I hope this helps.

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

I agree with Janie. Our bodies know what to do when we don't. Keep timing your contractions and take the diarrhea as a sign that your body is getting ready and cleaned out. I didn't even realize I was in labor with my son because I just had a terrible back ache and we went to my favorite restaurant and I simply couldn't eat anything. My favorite food on the planet and I couldn't bear to eat it. I couldn't even eat the fruits that I craved normally. I just thought it was because my back hurt so bad that I wasn't in the mood to eat anything. My water broke 12 hours later.
Just make sure you are drinking plenty of water to replenish yourself and keep track of your contractions.

Let us know when your baby gets here!

1 mom found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Houston on

Oh definitely. Mine really set in with the contractions (which never stopped for 19 hours lol) and I finally told my midwife that if I had to go to the toilet one more time that I wanted an enema. Everyone in the room started laughing so hard.

If you are near your due date, it is good to keep eating, but try focusing on easy to digest foods (yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, toast). Your digestion also shuts down to a certain extent. Keep your energy up, but avoid the barfing that can occur during transition.

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

It can be yes , also vomiting is another sign , I had both of these within hours of going into labor with my first child.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

A.-
I got diarrhea the night before my daughter was born. I just thought it was was what I had eaten but about 10 hours after the onset of the diarrhea, I got up to go potty again and my water broke. When I got to the hospital, the nurse assured me that all was normal and my body was just getting ready.
You may be meeting your baby very soon! Good luck to you.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Savannah on

yep it can be a sign. I bet you're close...I had contractions that were fairly consistent and then they stopped and then a couple hours later they resumed and I was definitely in labor. yay! congratulations!!!

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K.L.

answers from Washington DC on

Its very possible. Keep in mind with the contractions that they can be caused by dehydration, so make sure you are drinking plenty. Eat light food also because if you do end up in the hospital in labor, they don't let you eat once you're there.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Charlotte on

I think the first thing you should do is call your Doctors office to let them know whats going on, so that they can give you advice on what to do next. Good luck!!

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

The same muscles you use to have a bowel movement are used in the laboring process. Chances are, this is how your body is preparing itself for labor.

Congratulations! Hoping it's swift and relatively painless.

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A.C.

answers from Raleigh on

It can be. I thought my first contraction was actually stomach cramps like I had a stomach flu. I went to the bathroom and had diarrhia and thought that was it until 10 minutes later. The best thing you can do whatever it is is relax. My midwife was surprised how fast my labor progressed as a first timer and I look back and realize now that I never stressed out or tensed up (until the end=-) and I really think that helps. In nature a mother will not give birth in a stressful situation all mammals find a nice quiet place to go and relax. So take some deep breaths drink a cup of tea and ......wait.

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E.M.

answers from Louisville on

its about time! congrats

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M.W.

answers from Huntington on

Yes, it often is, Happpy Baby Day!

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

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