Within a few weeks of the expected date of delivery, the baby's head would lower toward the pelvis that drops the pressure on your stomach and diaphragm. You will feel more relaxed, have better appetite and breathe smoothly.

Virginal discharge or losing your mucus plug

Your cervix begins to dilate as you get close to labor, a small amount of blood or blood-tinged mucus is released from your cervix and makes its way out of your body through vaginal. If you're bleeding heavily or seeing signs of blood long before your due date, do check in with your doctor right away.

Contractions and back pain

If caused by uterus contractions, you will feel:

• The initial contractions are irregular, and gradually become regular, and the pain prolongs as time goes on.
• You will feel strong cramping in your abdomen, groin and back, especially in your tailbone.
  The uterus hardens during contraction and softens when the contraction stops.
• The pain does not subside with a massage or walking.

Your water breaks (a large amount of fluid starts to flow out of the vaginal area)

During pregnancy, your fetus is protected by a fluid filled membranous sac called the amniotic sac. At the beginning of or during labour, your membranes will rupture. Regardless of whether there are regular contractions or not, try not to walk around and go to a hospital as soon as possible.

Other signs to take note of:

1. Persistent or severe headache
2. Persistent or severe abdominal pain
3. Persistent or severe nausea and vomiting
4. Flu-like symptoms (feeling feverish/chills)
5. Blurred vision
6. Swelling in face and hands
7. Low urine output or a burning sensation during urination
8. Baby's activity level significantly declines by half or completely stopped vs. normal circumstances

See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms during your pregnancy.