The urge to defecate during early contractions is a common sensation as labor approaches. This feeling is a frequent, normal occurrence during the final stages of pregnancy and the earliest phases of labor. The sensation is often so strong and convincing that it can cause confusion about whether labor has begun or if it is simply a need to use the bathroom. Acknowledging this widely shared symptom can help individuals feel more prepared and less anxious as they navigate the start of childbirth.
The Physiological Reason for the Urge
The sensation of needing to pass a bowel movement during contractions is a direct result of the close anatomical relationship between the uterus and the large intestine. The uterus, which has grown significantly, sits directly in front of the rectum. When a contraction occurs, the powerful uterine muscle tightens, pressing down and backward onto the rectum. This physical pressure stimulates the nerves in the rectal area, mimicking the feeling of fullness or the need to defecate.
Hormonal changes that precede labor often compound this physical mechanism. The body produces high levels of prostaglandins, which help ripen the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions. Prostaglandins also act on smooth muscles throughout the body, including those in the intestines and bowels. This dual action can increase intestinal motility, contributing to the urge and sometimes resulting in loose stools or diarrhea. The combination of mechanical pressure and stimulating prostaglandins creates a highly convincing, but often false, signal that a bowel movement is necessary.
The “Pre-Labor Cleanout” Phenomenon
Loose stools or diarrhea that can accompany early labor are often referred to as a “pre-labor cleanout.” This is the actual physical event that may follow the urge described by the anatomical and hormonal changes. This phenomenon is considered a natural way the body prepares for birth, clearing the lower gastrointestinal tract.
This clearing process is thought to be beneficial as it creates more space within the pelvis. With less intestinal matter present, there is marginally more room for the baby to descend smoothly through the birth canal. It is a common, though not universal, sign that labor is imminent, sometimes occurring a few hours or even a day before regular contractions become established. Experiencing this symptom is a normal part of the body’s transition into childbirth.
Practical Steps When the Urge Arrives
When the urge to defecate arrives during early labor, trust the body’s signals and use the bathroom if needed. If you are in the very early phase, the urge is often a true need for a bowel movement, and passing stool can provide temporary relief from the pressure. If the pre-labor cleanout results in loose stools or diarrhea, focusing on hydration is important to replace lost fluids and prevent exhaustion before active labor begins.
A critical distinction must be made later, when the urge is felt during active labor or the pushing stage. As the baby’s head moves down the birth canal, it presses intensely on the rectum. This sensation is often indistinguishable from the need to have a bowel movement. If you are in the hospital or birthing center and feel this overwhelming pressure, you must immediately tell your care provider. This intense, reflexive urge is the body’s natural signal that the second stage of labor, the pushing phase, may have begun.
Red Flags and When to Call
While a strong, unrelenting urge to push when not fully dilated can be a sign of a fast-progressing labor, certain red flags warrant an immediate call to a healthcare provider. If the urge is coupled with heavy vaginal bleeding—more than a typical menstrual period—or if your water breaks and the fluid is green or brown, seek medical attention right away. Intense rectal pressure that is uncontrollable, especially if it feels like a sudden, forceful bearing down, should always be communicated to a professional to ensure the baby’s descent is monitored appropriately.