Sign of early labor

Everybody poops.

We’ve all heard the phrase and maybe even have the cute children’s book. Just when you feel like you’ve got the hang of managing your nausea and constipation in pregnancy, you’re almost at the finish line. You think you may be finally finished thinking about bowel movements in pregnancy (and maybe you’re worried about what happens during labor!) But then you’re hit with a bout of diarrhea.

Are you sick? (Gosh, being sick while pregnant is the absolute worst!)

What’s going on?

You take your question to Google, and Google tells you: it might be a sign of early labor (when combined with regular contractions, even those super mild ones, and not everyone experiences this). Loose bowel movements in early labor are super common.

Wait! What? LABOR?! Poop can be a sign of early labor?? Is this normal? Why would I have loose bowel movements in early labor?

Why This Happens

When prostaglandins are released, they can cause contractions in the bowels, leading to loose stool. This is also why some people experience diarrhea during their period! (You can read more about what prostaglandins do here. They do a LOT more than just kick-start labor.)

It isn’t a “given” that your diarrhea is the beginning of labor, though. (Just like most “early labor” signs, it could be labor, or maybe not!) Your loose stools could be for a variety of reasons. You could have a virus, have eaten something that didn’t agree with you, or something else entirely (or, these days, you could have eaten the “doodoo lettuce”, right?)

How to Tell the Difference: Labor vs. Something Else

A few things can help you figure out what’s going on:

• More likely early labor: Diarrhea paired with mild, irregular contractions, no fever, no vomiting, and you generally feel okay otherwise.
• More likely a bug or something you ate: Diarrhea with fever, vomiting, chills, or if you feel noticeably unwell (not just “different”).

Either way, it’s important to stay hydrated and keep an eye on how you’re feeling. Let your provider know if it becomes a concern, especially if you’re also seeing signs of dehydration (dizziness, very dark urine, feeling faint).

And definitely let your Rocket City Doulas team know of any changes! Your doulas don’t have a TMI limit. (Truly. Pretty sure TMI for us means “Tell Me Immediately”)

Other Early Labor Signs to Watch For

Loose stools don’t usually show up alone if it is the start of early labor. Some other signs that often show up around the same time include:

• Bloody show — a small amount of pink or blood-tinged mucus as the cervix starts to change
• Nesting instinct — a sudden burst of energy to clean, organize, or “get ready” that feels different from your usual energy level
• Lower back ache — a dull, achy pressure low in the back that may come and go

None of these on their own mean labor is imminent. (I feel like I can’t reiterate that enough. This is not a promise that labor is beginning!) But together, especially alongside contractions, they’re worth paying attention to.

What About You?

Was diarrhea an early labor sign for you? Did you experience loose bowel movements in early labor? What was your experience like?