Kerrie, is bub engaged yet ?? If he wasn't at your last visit, by the sounds of it he is now. That could account for the extra pressure in your bowels. Also the extra CM is perfectly normal in late pregnancy.

Your cervix never fully closes up after having your first baby. The fact that is is opened and very soft is a great thing. Is it still posterior- tilted towards your bum, or facing more towards the front ? The front is where we want it.

Good luck hun. It sure does sound like your body is getting itself ready to birth your little man.