dog whelping help

Question
HI!
I am getting ready to have not only one, but 2 litters of puppies. I have read, and experienced 2 litters in the past, but the 2 i was there for, were unplanned breeding, and or mom dog did all the work on her own.
This time, we know the dates, and 63 days for mom #1 is sunday dec 19th  and 63 days for #2 is monday the 20th.

Any way, i go out to check mom 1 today and she is sooo big, looks very uncomfortable i was petting her, and she has milk leaking. I am wondering, b/c I have read, that milk is a sign of imminent labor, like 24-48 hrs...if they are coming early, i really need to know so i can be prepared for it.

Mom #2 for the last 3 days has had a clear mucous-ey discharge and has been doing some major nesting, and i have once again read that this is a sign that labor is coming soon. And once again, if this is true then i need to be prepared for that.

Any help and advice you may have, would be greatly expected. and also is there an easy way to get the rectal temp? Cant get them to be still long enough, and it comes out before i get a reading.
thanks so much in advance!

Answer
Hi Jessica, Boy, you are going to be busy!!  Yes, you are right about birthing will be fairly soon.  The only way to know for sure is to have blood test done on the female's hormone level.  

Just get ready!  Sounds like they both will " Go " very soon.
sorry****

As for temp, do the digital ear if you can't get the rectal.  
It will at least give you some idea of the temperature levels.
They do make some nice digitals for pets.

When in doubt, please call your vet.
YOU should have a Vet ready, if you have any problems.

BEST wishes,

Marie Peppers LPN MA