Hey SammieJane - i know what you mean about the 'straining' - if you're lucky maybe it'll settle like mine did. TMI to follow...

I spent nearly my entire pregnancy going maybe twice, at most three times a week, and for now more than two weeks i've been able to go at least once a day. I got excited in the hope that maybe labour was getting closer as i know diarrhea and soft bowel movements are signs of pre-labour - but nothing as yet...