This way, when labor does start, you are physically well-prepared. Eat well, hydrate, take walks, and rest as much as you can. If you see the mucus plug, you can start preparing for labor, even if it is weeks away. Your body can also regenerate some of that cervical mucus, so there is no cause for concern regarding infection. Like I mentioned, the mucus plug can be discharged weeks before your baby is born. You probably don’t even need to contact your provider, unless you are having regular painful contractions, leakage of amniotic fluid, or a moderate amount of bleeding. Sadly, it’s not time grab your hospital bag and race to the hospital. What should I do if I see the mucus plug? Seeing the mucus plug indicates that your body is getting ready for labor, but it does NOT mean you’re actually in labor. It means that you will likely have a baby at some point in the next few hours… or weeks. The short of it is…discharging the mucus plug doesn’t mean a whole lot. How long after losing your mucus plug does it take to go into labor? It may come out in strings or clumps, or perhaps all at once. It is usually a clear, brown, or blood-tinged collection of mucus. As you get closer to labor, your cervix will begin to soften and widen in preparation for delivery, causing the plug to be discharged into your vagina. Eventually, the mucus forms a plug that sits at the opening of your cervix to act as an extra barrier to protect the baby that is growing in your uterus. What is a mucus plug?ĭuring pregnancy, your cervix secretes mucus to keep the area moist. I am here to demystify the concept of the mucus plug so that you feel better prepared about what it may or may not mean if you happen to see it. Often, women will start to see changes in their cervical mucus-including the appearance of the mucus plug-and wonder if it means that they are in labor. We monitor our bodies closely for any changes that signal us to know that the time has come. Toward the end of pregnancy, many women are excited and sometimes anxious about how and when labor will begin. While these changes are common during the last weeks of pregnancy, if you experience spotting or bleeding in the first or second trimester, it could be valuable to check in with your care team for guidance.It’s time to set the record straight on our little friend… the mucus plug. Of course don’t hesitate to keep your midwife or OB in the loop. Like with a lot of things during pregnancy and labor, there are many variations of normal. Some women will have a good amount of noticeable blood mixed with mucus while others may not see much. The cervix is highly vascular, so it has a tendency to bleed when change occurs (like dilation) or anytime it’s manipulated (think cervical check). Often we think of blood during pregnancy as a cause for concern, but not in this case-this type of blood is normal. So how much attention should you give this little event? Well, not too much, unfortunately.Īlong with the mucus plug, many will also notice the presence of blood- or what is commonly referred to as Bloody Show. The process of losing the mucus plug can occur all at once or be long and slow (as with other signs of progress and prep work for labor!) The mucus plug has the incredible ability to regenerate if lost too soon and once you begin to see signs that you are losing your mucus plug, it can be anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks before labor starts.
Once you begin to see signs that you are losing your mucus plug, it can be anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks before labor starts.
Sometimes it appears as bigger, thicker jelly-like globs (yes, you read that right). Sometimes it appears as small amounts of brownish mucus when you wipe or in underwear. This discharge can be clear, pink, or even blood tinged. You might notice an increase in vaginal discharge when this happens. What happens when you lose the mucus plug?Īs the cervix starts to open (dilate) later in pregnancy, the mucus is released into the vagina. The mucus plug provides a critical added barrier of protection for your baby during pregnancy. It also contains natural, antibacterial properties that help prevent infection from reaching your baby in the uterus and preterm labor. Physically, it blocks the opening of the cervix. Technically speaking, the mucus plug is a thick collection of mucus that accumulates in the cervix during your pregnancy. So let’s dive right into this big, little part of pregnancy and labor. As far as signs of labor go, the loss of the mucus plug is well known but also a famously gray area. If any of these questions sound familiar, you’re in good company. Or is it a sign? Is that my mucus plug? Is that what it is supposed to look like? Should I tell someone? Is labor coming? You’ve been waiting and wondering when this would happen- that first sign that maybe, just maybe, your baby is ready to come out into the world.
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