Being pregnant at 40 weeks can feel like standing right at the finish line and at the same time not knowing when the starting gun will fire. Some notice many changes, others almost nothing. Both can be completely normal. Here's a practical guide to typical signs of labor and what you can do when you're close to your due date.
40 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms That May Indicate Labor
At 40 weeks, your body will often begin to prepare more actively. Signs can include your bump "dropping" slightly, feeling more pressure downwards, or needing to urinate more frequently. Some also experience looser stools or nausea, which can be related to hormonal changes.
Practical Next Steps
Feel free to write down what you feel and when it starts. This makes it easier to assess the development, especially if you're unsure whether it's the beginning of labor.
Braxton Hicks vs. True Contractions at 40 Weeks
Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) can feel like tightening in your abdomen and can come irregularly. They may subside if you change position, rest, or take a warm bath. True contractions typically become more regular, increase in intensity, and come with shorter breaks in between.
Rule of Thumb You Can Use at Home
Try timing your contractions for 1 hour: how often do they come, and how long do they last? If they become more regular and noticeably stronger, it's a sign that your body is progressing.
Mucus Plug at 40 Weeks: Signs and What It Means
The mucus plug can appear as a lump or as more viscous discharge, sometimes with a little blood streaking. It can be a sign that the cervix is changing, but it doesn't indicate precisely when labor will begin. For some, labor starts shortly after; for others, it takes days.
If you are bleeding like a menstrual period, or if you are concerned, you should contact the labor ward or your midwife.
Water Breaking at 40 Weeks: How It Feels and What to Do
Water breaking can be a distinct "gush," but it can also leak slowly. It can therefore be confused with urine or increased discharge. If you suspect your water has broken, it's a good idea to contact the labor ward so you can get specific advice regarding color, amount, smell, and the baby's movements.
Particularly Important to Respond To
Contact the labor ward immediately if your amniotic fluid is green or brown, if you have a fever, or if you experience less fetal movement than normal.
When to Call the Labor Ward at 40 Weeks
You should always call once too often rather than once too little. Typical reasons to contact the labor ward may include:
- Regular contractions that increase in strength and frequency
- Water breaking, even if it's a trickle
- Bleeding (more than a little bloody/mucous discharge)
- Significant change in the baby's movements
- Severe pain, or if you feel uneasy
They can help you assess the next steps based on your situation.
Relevant Products When You're 40 Weeks Pregnant
As labor approaches, having a few practical items ready in your bag and at home can provide peace of mind. If you want to simplify your preparations, a comprehensive postpartum package can be helpful, such as the New Mum Care Pack. Many also benefit from gentle support for the abdomen and pelvis in the last days, such as the Maternity Support Belt. And for the time immediately after birth, postpartum pads are nice to have ready, for example, Disposable 10x Post Birth Care Pads.