The mucus plug is a collection of thick cervical mucus that forms a barrier within the cervix early in pregnancy. This protective seal prevents bacteria and potential sources of infection from entering the uterus and reaching the fetus. Losing the mucus plug is a common physiological event that signals the cervix is beginning to soften and open in preparation for childbirth. While it is a recognized sign that labor may be approaching, the timing varies significantly.
The Physical Sensation of Expulsion
Most people do not feel the mucus plug come out. The process of the cervix softening and opening, known as dilation and effacement, is typically gradual, allowing the plug to dislodge without a distinct sensation. Often, the passage of the mucus plug is only noticed when wiping after using the restroom or seeing it in underwear.
The mucus plug may be expelled all at once as a single glob, or it may come out gradually over a period of days as increased vaginal discharge. This gradual loss makes it difficult to notice any specific feeling associated with its release. For those who do perceive something, the sensation is usually described as a minor increase in pelvic pressure or a noticeable increase in thick, jelly-like discharge.
Even if the entire plug is expelled in one piece, the lack of nerve endings in the cervical canal means it is not a painful experience. Therefore, it is normal for a pregnant person to be unaware of when the plug was lost. The body continues to produce cervical mucus, meaning the loss of the plug, even weeks before labor, does not leave the baby unprotected.
Visual Characteristics and the Bloody Show
Once expelled, the mucus plug is characterized by its distinct texture, which is typically thick, gelatinous, and sticky, often compared to a glob of jelly. Its volume is small, generally about one to two tablespoons, and it can be anywhere from a clear or off-white color to yellowish or brown. The appearance can vary widely, and it may be expelled as one large piece or several smaller fragments.
A key distinction is the presence of blood, which gives rise to the term “bloody show.” The bloody show is mucus that is streaked with pink or red blood. This bloody streaking occurs because the cervix is rich in small blood vessels, called capillaries, which rupture as the cervix begins to soften and dilate.
The bloody show is a more reliable sign that labor is imminent than the loss of a clear or white mucus plug. While the plug itself is a collection of mucus, the bloody show is the result of mechanical changes happening to the cervix. Light pink or red streaking is normal, but the discharge should not involve a significant amount of bright red blood, which may indicate a different issue.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Losing the mucus plug is considered a normal progression of late pregnancy and usually does not require an immediate call to a healthcare provider if it occurs after 37 weeks of gestation. If the discharge is clear, white, or only lightly tinged with pink or brown blood, you can mention it at your next prenatal appointment. The timing of the loss is the primary factor in deciding whether to seek medical guidance.
If you lose the mucus plug before 37 weeks of pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of potential preterm labor. A medical evaluation may be necessary to assess the cervix and determine if intervention is needed.
It is also important to contact a healthcare provider right away if the discharge is accompanied by heavy, bright red bleeding, similar to a menstrual period, or if the fluid is a sudden gush. Heavy bleeding can signal complications such as placental abruption or placenta previa. Additionally, foul-smelling or discolored discharge, such as green, should prompt a call, as it may indicate an infection.