Sammiejane: Not a silly question at all. I wouldn't be full on straining, I don't think it will cause labour but it shouldn't be that hard to go to the toilet. I was constipated during pregnancy and it was terrible, u can get something to help I used Nulax and it was great. It is all natural and bascially just helps get things moving IYKWIM.

The pushing you do in labour is a different type of pushing. It feels like you are doing a poo because as the baby decends it's head puts pressure on your bowel. The pushing you do in labour is with every little bit of your body and soul. It is a very empowering feeling, you will have strength you never imagined.

HTH
Spring xx