Almost 3 Year with Potty Training Issues?

Assuming she's been accident free and doing absolutely all of her poops on the potty for a while, I would say that she's regressing. Has there been tons of talk about the baby? Maybe she's upset and trying to get your attention? Did something happen in pre-school? Does she have a stomach bug? I'd definitely try to have a conversation with her to find out what happened. Maybe it's absolutely nothing. My son, who was potty trained for a year, had three wetting accidents in two days. No clue why but they went away as quickly as they came.

Good luck!

You are just feeling "the panic" b/c of the timeframe you are working with.

Just remember, PT isn't when WE are ready for them to poop in the potty 100% of the time. PT is when THE CHILD is ready to poop in the potty 100% of the time.

.. unless she feels secure and grounded, in her upcoming change of life and having a 'baby' TOO.... it will be hard.
Punishments does NOT address, a young child's emotions.
It is just cause and effect.
A child this age, is NOT fully developed, per emotions yet. Nor can they ascertain their emotions, succinctly.
Unless they are taught. It takes time for emotional mastery.

Of course the baby is throwing her for a loop.
And it will continue to do so, unless she is given validation, ability to be 'allowed' to say how she feels and ask questions too, and feel that she is still a part of you.

She.. is having a baby too.
Her life is changing.
Kids can feel these 'vibes.'
She was an only child, for 3 years.
She has a TON, to adjust to, too.

One tip is: do not 'expect' her to SUDDENLY grow up and be a perfect "Eldest" sibling, just because a baby will be in the house.
She is still just her age AND with all her age-related phases and developmental ability or not. Physically and emotionally and mentally.
IF you 'expect' her to suddenly 'change' and be all "grown-up" it won't happen. And she will just act out more... in different ways.
A kid, when frustrated or stressed or having anxiety... they do this.
Because, they are not older, they are just their age. A little kid.
Keep 'Expectations' of the Eldest child, age-appropriate.
A kid, does not even know 'how' to be a sibling much less an 'older' sibling. They just are.

Address her emotional development.
Per HER age.

An existing child, the "Eldest" needs even MORE attention and QUALITY time.... when there is a 2nd baby in the house.
They need LOTS of time, with you.
Not just in activities, but in your talking with her.... not lecturing, talking with her. Letting her express herself, and her feeling that you ARE hearing her... and can commiserate with her, and value, her.

Your daughter has certainly been hearing you speak of your pregnancy, your feeling tired or uncomfortable, and watched you preparing a space for the baby. She may be worried about what her new standing will be once the baby arrives. You probably have less energy to give her because of your pregnancy. The baby isn't here yet, but changes are. And yes, that could have everything to do with her regression.

Pooping uses a different set of muscles than peeing. It is somewhat more under our conscious control, while still depending on the automatic peristaltic action of the intestinal muscles to provide the push. But, just like anxiety or excitement can disrupt the automatic breathing action of our diaphragm, so can anxiety disrupt peristalsis. In extreme fear those muscles can just let go and people soil themselves. In ongoing emotional strain, the muscles can tense up, resulting in slowing of the natural action. This can become chronic enough to cause constipation, which in turn can morph into a more serious condition called encopresis, in which a built-up blockage causes stretching and numbing in the colon, and the child may not even be aware she has pooped.

Your daughter could be in much need of reassurance right now, and even more after the baby arrives. She may not feel "ready" for the changes that she's experiencing, and could be worried, distracted, and lonely.

These emotions can definitely mess with her willingness, or even ability, to be potty trained right now. I can certainly understand that you feel frustrated about this, but I hope you are not expressing that as anger toward your daughter, which will only compound her worries and make the situation worse. Punishment for her dismay will confirm in her mind that you don't love her as much anymore, and if she begins to feel unworthy of your love, she will have ongoing behavioral problems for years.

Give her as much special mommy time as you are able, let her know that she will always be just as precious to you as when she was born, and watch out for signs of constipation so you can deal with it before it becomes worse.

Wishing you the best with your growing family.

I think she is 3. Going through the same thing. Not treats, nor threats, nor determination on your part will change this.

I would like to see if these over night potty trained kids really exist.