[Rachael990]

My due date is 9/13... but when I went to the Dr. on 8/20... the ultrasound showed the baby's growth as if I was 37 weeks 6 days... so 40 weeks would be on 9/4th... when I was really 36 weeks 4 days. So I'm wondering if the baby will come early. I have had a total of about 4 braxton hicks contractions, nothing major... but tonight, 8/29, I had a VERY loose stool, which I heard means labor is not too far away.(I'm sorry, I know it sounds gross!) I also started feeling very hot and light-headed right after. I'm just wondering if it's going to happen tonight? Or anytime in the next week?? Any input on this from experience? I know everyone is different.. im just hoping this means labor soon!

[danielnoahsmommy]

I was 10 days late when I went into labor, so I'm used to playing the waiting game. Did you lose your mucus plug?

[ang8318]

Just so you know, when they try to figure out the size of the baby via ultrasound, it is not always very accurate. At 36 weeks I had an ultrasound because I was measuring "big". According to the ultrasound, the doctors measured the baby to be 42 weeks gestation, and weighing over 11 lbs. My son was born at 371/2 via scheduled c-section, and weighed 9lbs5oz. So their estimates aren't always accurate.

[Alty]

Unfortunately no one can tell you when you'll go into labor, not even your doctor. We could guess, so could you, but that's all it would be.

I know that near the end you're ready to rip your legs off if it means getting the baby out, but all you can do is wait, it will happen when it happens. Helpful right? ;)

One thing I can tell you for sure, you won't be pregnant foever, you will give birth eventually, and you have less time ahead of you then behind you.

Good luck and let us know what you have. :)

[J_9]

I am a labor and delivery nurse. I can assure you, as Alty said, that you won't be pregnant forever. Now, the ultrasounds are only a guestimate. The only way you will have a clue is after the baby is born and the pediatrician or the nurse (me) does a Dubowitz on the baby. This is a series of tests that more accurately determines gestational age.

But, I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, when labor starts you will KNOW it.

We have a little joke on our L&D floor, when patients come in, we look at their faces first. We can tell by facial expressions if a woman is in labor or if it is false labor.

36 weeks or 37 weeks you are good to go. I will not try to stop a labor at 36 or 37 weeks if it's true labor.