Pregnancy Week 40: Recognising Labour and Fuelling the Final Days

You've hit the official finish line of pregnancy. Forty weeks means your baby is considered full-term, and most expectant parents in Australia spend these final days oscillating between excitement and a quiet sort of impatience. Every twinge can feel like a signal, every quiet moment feels like waiting. Understanding what's actually happening in your body right now, and how to keep yourself well-nourished through it, can soften the uncertainty and give you something practical to focus on while you wait.

This stage is really about two things: learning to recognise the genuine signs that labour is starting, and making sure your body has the energy stores it needs for the work ahead. In Australia, where shared maternity care between GPs, midwives and hospital teams is common, knowing when to call your midwife versus when to head straight to a birth suite can save you from an unnecessary trip. Pair that with smart last-minute food choices and you'll feel far more prepared for whatever the next few days bring.

What Week 40 Looks Like

At forty weeks your baby has usually settled deep into your pelvis, which often changes the shape of your belly and can take pressure off your ribs and lungs. Breathing often feels easier around now, even as the weight on your bladder intensifies. Many women notice a sudden burst of energy, sometimes called a "nesting" urge, where the desire to clean the cupboards at 11 pm becomes almost irresistible. This is completely normal and harmless, provided you rest when your body asks for it.

Your body is also producing higher levels of oxytocin and prostaglandins, the hormones that help ripen the cervix and trigger contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions may feel stronger and more frequent in the days leading up to birth, sometimes making it tricky to tell practice contractions from the real thing. Keep in mind that due dates are only estimates, and Australian maternity units generally treat anything between 37 and 42 weeks as term. Most hospitals, from the Royal Women's in Melbourne to the Mater in Brisbane, schedule a check-up around this point to monitor baby's position and movement.

Early Signs Labour May Be Near

In the final two weeks, several subtle changes can hint that labour is approaching. None of these alone confirm labour is starting, but together they paint a picture worth paying attention to.

• A bloody show, which is a small amount of pink, red or brown mucus
• Loss of the mucus plug, sometimes noticed when you wipe after using the toilet
• A persistent low backache that doesn't shift with position changes
• Loose bowel movements or an upset stomach in the 24 to 48 hours beforehand
• A noticeable increase in pelvic pressure, often described as the baby "dropping"
• Cramping that feels period-like and comes in irregular waves

If you experience any of these, especially a clear show combined with tightening sensations, mention it at your next appointment or call your midwife for advice. Many Australian maternity services run a 24-hour advice line for exactly these moments.

Active Labour Signs and When to Head In

True labour follows a pattern that gradually strengthens rather than fades. Contractions become longer, closer together and more intense, typically building over several hours. Walking usually makes them stronger rather than easing them off, which is a useful way to test what you're feeling. Another classic sign is the breaking of waters, which can be a slow trickle or a sudden gush. Once this happens, most Australian hospitals ask you to come in relatively soon, particularly if you are Group B Strep positive, as antibiotics need to start before delivery.

The general rule most midwives share is the 5-1-1 pattern: contractions every five minutes, lasting one minute each, for at least one hour. That said, second-time parents often progress faster and are usually advised to come in earlier. Trust your instincts too. If something feels different or you are worried about your baby's movements, ring your hospital. NSW Health and the Victorian health services both emphasise reduced foetal movement as something to flag immediately, even at full term.

Last-Minute Nutrition for Energy and Recovery

Labour is often compared to running a marathon, and the comparison holds up well. You need glycogen stores, steady blood sugar and good hydration to keep your muscles working and your energy steady. In the final week or two, shift your focus towards slow-release carbohydrates, quality protein and foods rich in iron and electrolytes. This is also a time to keep meals simple and gentle on the stomach, since digestion slows in late pregnancy.

A few smart choices to build into your final days:

• Porridge made with rolled oats and milk for slow-release energy
• Bananas for potassium and an easy-to-digest snack between contractions
• Hummus with wholegrain crackers for protein and fibre
• Greek yoghurt with berries for calcium and antioxidants
• Lean chicken, eggs or tofu at lunch for steady protein

Eating small, frequent meals works better than big ones at this stage, and drinking water steadily through the day matters more than ever. With Australia heading into warmer months in many regions, electrolyte drinks or coconut water can help replace what you lose through sweat, especially if you are still active and on your feet.

Stocking the Fridge and Pantry Before Baby Arrives

A well-stocked kitchen is one of the kindest gifts you can give your future self. In the days after birth, you will be tired, possibly sore, and far less inclined to plan a meal. Preparing now means that partners, visiting family or a helpful neighbour can put together something nourishing without thinking too hard. Aim for a mix of ready-to-eat proteins, easy carbs, fresh fruit and a few treats to keep your spirits up during those middle-of-the-night feeds.

A simple shopping list to keep in mind:

• Pre-washed salad leaves and cherry tomatoes
• Tinned beans, lentils and soup for quick meals
• Freezer-friendly meals like lasagne, dumplings or curry
• Long-life milk or oat milk as a backup
• Dark chocolate or a couple of Tim Tams for emergency morale

If you are heading out to Coles or Woolworths, consider doing a click-and-collect order so you don't have to navigate the aisles with a full-term belly. Many Australian supermarkets also stock fresh meals in the deli section that can be heated up in minutes when you have no energy to cook.

Australian Birth Settings and Support Options

Australia offers a wide range of birth settings, and your choice can influence how your care is managed. Public hospitals provide fully Medicare-covered maternity care, including antenatal visits, the birth and follow-up checks. Private obstetric care is also common, particularly in capital cities, and often includes continuity with one doctor throughout pregnancy. Birth centres, attached to larger hospitals, offer a home-like environment with midwifery-led care for low-risk pregnancies, which many parents find appealing.

If you live in a regional area, shared care between your local GP and a larger city hospital is standard practice. Telehealth check-ins have made this easier in recent years. Doulas are becoming more popular across the country, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, although they are privately funded. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander maternity services are also available in many areas, offering culturally safe care for First Nations parents. Whatever you choose, knowing where you plan to give birth, how to get there, and who to call first removes a layer of stress from an already emotional time.

A simple plan written down and kept somewhere obvious, such as on the fridge, can help everyone stay calm. Include the hospital address, your midwife's number, the car seat location and a quick note about pets or older children who may need looking after. Being prepared doesn't guarantee anything will go perfectly, but it does mean that when contractions begin in earnest, you can focus entirely on the moment rather than the logistics.