36 weeks - rectal pressure, swollen lady bits, polyhydramnios

[lenorajoy]

Hello ladies, looking for some input/personal experiences! Warning: TMI ahead!

I was scheduled for a growth scan Monday (at exactly 36 weeks) because I've been measuring consistently large for weeks. I don't have GD or any other complications, but my AFI came back at 26 and I was diagnosed with polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid for those that aren't familiar). Apparently the "normal" range is anywhere between 8-25, depending on who you ask. Some say the normal range ends as low as 21, but either way I have a pretty mild case. They scheduled me for another ultrasound on Monday (at 37 weeks) to verify AFI and to see how I'm progressing.

I've been having BH contractions, which have been entirely painless (but often pretty uncomfortable) pretty regularly anytime I stand up and walk around for a couple of weeks since baby dropped into my pelvis.

Over the past several days I've been having much looser stools (not diarrhea, but much softer than normal) and much more frequently, but starting yesterday I started feeling the urge to poop but when I try to nothing happens. I'm always SUPER regular, going just once a day in the morning around the same time every day, so this is very odd for me. I've felt this rectal pressure at least 6 times since yesterday afternoon and haven't been able to poop yet today. This morning that pressure has been combined with pains in my vagina and my labia are so swollen today! I can't see a thing down there anymore, so I have no idea what they look like, but they feel much larger than normal.

I can't say I've experienced any serious lower back pain, but I'd say it's just been generally achey on and off. Nothing that I've noticed moreso than the pressure and pains.

Has anyone else experienced these things? From what I've read the pressure I'm feeling could be contractions, but since they aren't regular I'd guess I'm fine? Others have said their labor started out this way, though, so I'm wondering if I should be concerned... especially considering the polyhydramnios.

Sorry this got so long! Thanks for any input you can give!

 

[Mummafrog]

Hello! Gosh you sound uncomfortable, I remember last time.. so hugs sent for that
Everything you're describing sounds (unfortunately) normal to me, I think that the pressure in your bum is likely that baby's head is low down and it's a braxton hicks that pushes baby against your back passage, they can feel different at different times.
It's normal for everything to go very loose at the end, because your hormones start ramping up to crazy high levels before they change to trigger the birth, it will also be by you're swollen. Sounds weird but you could do warm/cold compresses down there to relieve discomfort and lie down plenty, also drinking water helps to displace fluid build up.
I understand polyhydramnios makes you a little jumpy, but I would just keep an eye out for the usual; contractions, waters gushing or trickling and bleeding. Sometimes your show can be a bit bloody mixed with mucus though!

However saying all that, the weirdest things have happened and some women very rarely don't feel pain when in labour, if you're honestly worried then call triage or your midwife and talk it through with them, your instincts know best xx

 

[lenorajoy]

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I have to say the past several days have gotten pretty uncomfortable! It was pretty smooth sailing until the last week or so, and bam! It's good to know all of this is at least fairly normal for most women. I kind of figure (like my midwife has told me) as long as my water doesn't break and I'm not having timable contractions that get more intense/painful I'm probably fine. I have an appointment Monday, so I guess as long as things aren't getting more intense and regular I'll just mention it to my midwife on Monday so she knows what's going on.

It makes total sense what you said about the rectal pressure, by the way. Thank you! And I may try a cold compress if the swelling really gets uncomfortable like it was earlier today. I found myself wishing I had one.

 

[Mummafrog]

Yes always tell your midwife what you're feeling! I remember a similar pressure when I got braxton hicks, it was more towards my vagina than bum but it sounds the same. Maybe ask your midwife to double check baby isn't back to back/posterior? (Baby's spine to your spine). It wouldn't be a big problem if it was but you could do some exercises to encourage baby to turn if you knew x

I remember crying every time I rolled over in bed at the end because I was just so uncomfortable.. pregnancy is mean! Haha but amazing too. This time around I already have pelvic pain.. why :'( x

 

[lenorajoy]

Oh, I had bad pelvic pain through some of first and at least half of second trimester! I hope it doesn't stick around too long for you! It's so miserable. I had planned to get back into the routine of exercise while pregnant, but by the time the pelvic pain went away it wouldn't have been a wise choice to do much other than stretching/yoga. I'm looking forward to exercising again sometime after baby, if I can find the time and energy.

Baby likes to be head down, but I do sometimes feel turning front to back and vice versa. It's very possible when I'm feeling the rectal pressure that's when baby's back to back with me. And other times I do feel a lot of pressure toward the front, so that very well could be what t is! Contractions are just pushing baby's head against different areas.

Thanks again for good input!

Now since yesterday afternoon I'm getting needle-like stabbing pains around the cervix (like someone is literally sticking a long needle up there repeatedly!), so things must be starting to change down there. I've also had a few very uncomfortable/crampy feeling contractions, so my body must be getting ready. Regardless it won't be long now! Almost down to three weeks from due date now. The end is in sight! Which is very bittersweet... I'll miss having this baby inside me. Not the discomfort, but the movements and the idea of how close we are now.

 

[amariee]

Hi, I'm 34 weeks and for the last few days I've had the exact same issues as far as bowel movements and the pressure in the bum. I have an appointment Tuesday morning and I plan on bringing it up to my doctor. I definitely don't want to push when I have that urge to go. This is my 3rd baby so you would think I would know all of this by now.

 

[lenorajoy]

This is my first, but it's funny how things are so different with each pregnancy! Next of luck with your labor and delivery whenever that happens to be!