During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes. One such change involves the mucus plug, a natural part of pregnancy that often prompts questions when it dislodges. Understanding this aspect of pregnancy can help expectant mothers feel more prepared and less anxious about their body’s signals as they approach childbirth.
The Mucus Plug’s Role
The mucus plug is thickened cervical mucus that forms early in pregnancy, typically around seven weeks. It serves as a protective barrier, sealing the cervical canal and blocking the opening of the uterus. This physical seal helps prevent bacteria and other potential sources of infection from entering the uterus and reaching the developing fetus.
The plug is composed of glycoproteins, which give it a gel-like structure. These, along with antimicrobial agents and immune cells, contribute to its protective properties, safeguarding against ascending infections from the vagina. Throughout pregnancy, the cervix continuously produces mucus, replenishing this protective barrier.
What Your Mucus Plug Might Look Like
The mucus plug’s appearance can vary, and it is normal for it to be white. It typically has a thick, jelly-like, or stringy consistency, resembling mucus from a cold. While it can be clear or off-white, other normal color variations include yellowish, pinkish, or brownish hues.
Pink or brown tints can result from small blood vessels in the cervix rupturing as it softens, thins, or dilates in preparation for labor. This blood-tinged mucus, known as “bloody show,” is a normal sign that the body is preparing for birth. Unlike menstrual blood, which is typically bright red and flows steadily, bloody show is usually streaky and mixed with mucus. A yellowish tint is usually harmless, but any foul smell or discomfort warrants contacting a healthcare provider.
The mucus plug can be expelled as a single glob, sometimes measuring one to two inches in length and one to two tablespoons in volume. Alternatively, it might come out gradually in smaller pieces over several hours or days, making it less noticeable. Distinguish the mucus plug from typical pregnancy discharge, which is usually thinner and can be clear or milky white without blood.
Important Considerations When Your Mucus Plug Comes Out
The expulsion of the mucus plug signals that the cervix is softening and preparing for labor. However, its appearance does not mean labor is immediately starting. It can happen anywhere from a few hours to several days or even weeks before labor begins, or sometimes not until active labor is underway. Many individuals do not even notice when they lose their mucus plug.
No immediate action is usually required when the mucus plug comes out, especially if it occurs after 37 weeks of pregnancy and there are no other concerning symptoms. Noting its color, size, and texture can be useful for your healthcare provider. Continue to monitor for other signs of labor, such as regular contractions or your water breaking.
Contact a healthcare provider in certain situations. If the mucus plug is lost before 37 weeks of pregnancy, inform your provider, as it may indicate preterm labor or cervical changes. Seek medical attention for a large amount of bright red blood (more than streaks), as this may indicate a serious complication like placental abruption or placenta previa. A sudden gush of fluid you cannot control, which may signify your water breaking, also warrants immediate contact.