Labour or normal late pregnancy symptoms?

[gille987]

I'm 39+4 weeks and have been getting a very mild dull ache in my lower stomach area a few times this evening, more frequent compared to the last week, and it comes and goes. It's not painful just mild. I've also felt heavier and moving in bed/getting up from the sofa has become a task particularly in the last few days. I am also ridiculously tired, needing to lay down most of today including a couple of naps. Could this mean labour is close or just normal symptoms at this stage in pregnancy??

I'm 40 weeks tomorrow. Have also had some dull aches (BH) and the feeling of heaviness. Had my midwife appt yesterday and she confirmed that I'm nearly fully effaced but not yet dilated. So everything that you're feeling now is indeed your body getting ready for labour- but the whole process can take several days or even weeks!

Have you got a midwife appt booked this week? They should offer to do an internal examination if the external one indicates that baby is good and low.

What you're looking out for is your mucus plug and regular contractions that come and go. I haven't had a baby before but friends tell me that you know when it's the real deal.

@Borgonzola

Ah I'm so ready for him to arrive I hope it's not weeks!

I have midwife appt on Tuesday so I will see what she says

Thank you!

Me neither, I don't fancy going to 42! If anything I'm not sure I can be this uncomfortable for much longer.

Bouncing on an exercise ball, going for gentle walks, yoga, getting plenty of rest and keeping your pelvis in the UFO position (up, forward and open) should help.

I had a dull ache and feeling of heaviness in my lower stomach for a day at exactly 37w6d and my waters broke in the early hours of the next morning so for me it was a sign of labour. Contractions started after another 6 hr or so while waiting in hospital for a C-section (breach baby).