How accurate is a due date calculator?

Due date calculators provide estimates within 1-2 weeks of actual delivery. Only about 5% of babies are born exactly on their due date, with most arriving within two weeks before or after.

What is the nesting instinct in pregnancy?

The nesting instinct is a natural energy burst in late pregnancy that creates a strong urge to clean, organize, and prepare your home for baby's arrival. This typically occurs in the third trimester as your due date approaches.

What does it mean when you lose your mucus plug?

Losing your mucus plug means your cervix is softening in preparation for labor. The discharge appears thick and jelly-like, often white, pink, or brown in color, but labor may still be days away.

When should I call my doctor about discharge during pregnancy?

Call your doctor immediately if you notice very thin, liquid discharge (possible water breaking) or bloody discharge. Normal discharge should be milky white with no foul odor.

Due Date Calculator & Late Pregnancy Signs [2026 Guide]

The nesting instinct

At this point, you may find yourself experiencing a new level of energy, which can fuel a strong desire to prep the nursery, assemble cabinets and wash the floors. It is known as nesting, and it describes an expectant mother’s instinct to prepare a space for her newborn [1, 2].

With this new burst of energy, sex can be a great way to relax and relieve stress [1]. In the days before birth, your back and abdomen may feel sore. With the softening of the ligaments caused by the hormone relaxin, joints become more flexible, which can cause discomfort [2].

In late pregnancy, women may experience hemorrhoids. The causes behind this are the extra weight your pelvic area is supporting, and the expansion of veins due to hormones. Hemorrhoids are accompanied by pain and a burning sensation, both of which can be exacerbated by bowel movements. Make sure to use moist flushable wipes or wet toilet paper after evacuating.

Tell your doctor if you experience hemorrhoids, especially if they hurt and bleed. To relieve severe inflammation, your doctor may prescribe medication [3].

If you are expecting twins

Don't worry if one or both babies are taken to the nursery for observation after delivery. This is not uncommon with twins, especially if there’s a significant weight difference between them. Carrying twins for more than 38 weeks is considered a risk factor in itself, so for them to be under the care of a neonatologist for a while is best [4]. This also gives you a chance to rest, which will soon be increasingly difficult!

Discharge

In the last weeks of pregnancy, you will experience additional vaginal discharge. It should be milky white, with no foul odor. A thicker, jelly-like discharge that is white, pink, or brownish is a sign that the cervix is softening and that the mucus plug is being released, up to this point its job has been to shield the cervix. Losing the mucus plug does not mean that labor will start straight away, it may take several days before contractions begin. On the other hand, some women will not lose the mucus plug until labor starts [5].

A very thin, liquid discharge is a reason to call your doctor immediately because it may mean your water broke. Seek immediate medical assistance if you notice bloody discharge [5, 6].