39 Weeks Pregnant: Signs of Labor & What to Expect

Question
I am just under 39 weeks pregnant. I have diarrhea, backache, lots of braxtons
hicks, I have lost part (as far as I know) of my mucus plug, I know I am at least
2cm dilated, and I have been cleaning for the past month. Am I close yet? I am
going crazy.

Answer
Dear Cayley,

Yes, you are close.  :-)

Try to be patient. This is just your first taste of what is to come.... all things will be happening on baby's time.

The backache is something to stay aware of. Many women, due to positioning of the baby and other causes, can feel their labor more in their backs than their tummies. If that back pain were to increase, start feeling your tummy (the top part especially) to make sure it is not getting firm and tightening up. If it is, you need to time that - those are contractions (even if you are only feeling back pain). If the contractions do not dissipate when you change your activity (if resting, try walking around or if on feet, try resting), then it sounds like it is true labor and not Braxton-Hicks. Here are some signs of true labor:
-Contractions come regularly, usually 4-6 minutes apart and can become closer together. Usually last 30-70 seconds.
-Contractions become stronger with time. You may also feel vaginal pressure.
-Contractions continue no matter what position changes you make or how much you drink.  

Plan to go to the hospital when they are so strong that you cannot hold a conversation during a contraction or are closer than 5-6 minutes apart (beginning of one to the beginning of the next) or do not give you a break of at least about 2-3 minutes in between.

Once you are at or near 40 weeks, you can try the following to try to get your labor going naturally, but keep in mind that your body will only begin labor - true labor - when it is ready for it. Until then, you can try anything and everything you want, nothing will happen. Your body will protect that baby's environment as long as possible.

Walk - If you are having contractions but are not yet in labor, walking can help get things going. Walking allows gravity to naturally work that baby's head into the pelvis, but also gets your hips moving from side to side, which will help bring the baby into position to be born.
Have Sex - When you and your partner have sex, his semen can stimulate contractions because it contains prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormones that help in inducing labor. In fact, if you're well beyond your due date and your doctor induces labor, he will probably use a prostaglandin gel to help "ripen" the cervix. So, as long as you are careful and gentle and have no high risk factors, sex is a great way to get labor going in the last couple of weeks.
Castor Oil - Women have been using castor oil to help induce labor for years. In fact, many "old school" doctors and midwives swear by it. It can provide good results if you are already in early labor. It is believed to work by causing spasms in the intestines, which surround the uterus toward the end of pregnancy. These spasms, in turn, cause the uterus to cramp, which might result in labor. But be prepared - stay near the bathroom! You can take 1-4 ounces of castor oil mixed with 6 ounces of orange juice to cut its oiliness. You'll want to drink it quickly because of its unpleasant taste.

I have a daughter-in-law in the same boat (due 12/3). She feels your pain - so to speak!  :-)

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and a blessed delivery!

Brenda