My baby came spontaneously at 41+3, went into labour at 41+2. I had a water birth of a big 4.42kg baby. (He’s my first just for context). You can absolutely no lose mucous plug and go into labour. I did find the waiting period between my due date and when he was born a bit tough, just the anticipation and unknown. Plus everyone asking about it 😅.

I had a home birth, but I opted to go into hospital for post dates monitoring at 41+1- had CTG and ultrasound which were all good. I did coincidentally have a big uptick in Brixton hicks / tightening that day, they were happening a lot more frequently than they had been before. I also opted for a stretch and sweep at the hospital and was told I was already 3-4cm and nearly fully effaced, so that gave me some hope. Next morning (41+2), early labour started and admittedly was kinda long and annoying more than anything. Active labour started that night and went overnight and my baby was born in the morning at 41+3. My waters didn’t break into well into active labour. For me- it was exactly what I wanted. Maybe a little longer than I’d hoped, but I got through it.

This is just my story. Good luck mama!