The mucus plug, or cervical plug, is a thick collection of mucus that forms a protective seal within the cervical canal during pregnancy. Its primary function is to act as a barrier, preventing bacteria and other potential sources of infection from traveling up into the uterus and reaching the developing fetus. The expulsion of this plug is a physical indicator that the cervix is beginning to soften and change in preparation for childbirth. This event is a normal progression in late pregnancy, and this guide provides actionable steps to take next.
Visual Identification and Distinctions
The mucus plug is typically described as a sticky, gelatinous, and thick glob of discharge that is noticeably different from the normal, thinner vaginal discharge common throughout pregnancy. It can be clear, off-white, yellow, or even slightly green in color. The volume can vary significantly, sometimes appearing as a single clump of mucus or coming out in smaller, stringy pieces over a period of time.
A blood-tinged appearance, which can look pink, brown, or streaked with red, is often present and is commonly referred to as the “bloody show.” This light bleeding occurs because the softening and slight opening of the cervix cause small blood vessels to rupture. It is important to distinguish this spotting from a true hemorrhage, which involves a flow of bright red blood similar to a menstrual period. The mucus plug is thick and viscous, unlike amniotic fluid, which is typically a clear, watery fluid that may exit in a sudden gush or a slow, continuous trickle.
The Timeline of Labor Onset
Losing the mucus plug is a sign that the body is beginning the process of cervical ripening, but it does not mean labor is about to begin immediately. The timeframe between the plug’s expulsion and the onset of labor is highly variable and can range from a few hours to several days or even weeks. Many individuals do not go into active labor until long after the plug has passed, and some do not notice it at all until they are already in labor.
The appearance of the “bloody show”—the mucus plug mixed with pink or brown blood—may suggest a slightly nearer labor timeline, as it is a clearer indication that active cervical changes, such as effacement or dilation, are occurring. However, even with a bloody show, labor could still be days away. The cervix continues to produce mucus, meaning the baby remains protected even after the initial plug has been released.
Necessary Steps and Monitoring
The initial step after noticing the mucus plug is to observe the discharge’s color, consistency, and volume, and to note the time. If you are 37 weeks pregnant or further along and the fluid is only the thick, mucus-like plug, a non-urgent call to your healthcare provider is appropriate to inform them of the change. If the loss occurs before 37 weeks, you should contact your provider immediately for guidance.
The primary focus should shift to monitoring for other, more definitive signs of labor. Pay close attention to uterine contractions, tracking their frequency, duration, and intensity. True labor contractions will become progressively longer, stronger, and closer together, often following a pattern such as contractions that last 60 seconds and occur every five minutes for at least an hour. You should also be aware of any fluid leakage that suggests the rupture of membranes, or “water breaking.”
Maintain light activity levels, focusing on rest and hydration during this waiting period. If you suspect your membranes have ruptured or if heavy bleeding is present, avoid activities such as taking a bath or engaging in sexual intercourse. These precautions help reduce the potential for introducing bacteria into the uterus once the protective barrier is gone.
Critical Symptoms Requiring a Call
While the loss of the mucus plug is generally a normal event, certain accompanying symptoms signal the need for immediate medical attention. Any instance of bright red, heavy vaginal bleeding that is more than just light spotting or blood streaks requires an immediate call to your provider or a trip to the hospital. Heavy bleeding can be a sign of a more serious complication, such as a placental issue.
Losing the mucus plug before 37 weeks of gestation should be reported promptly, as it may be a warning sign of preterm labor. Your provider may want to conduct an evaluation to assess the situation and determine if interventions are needed. Other concerning signs include any discharge that is accompanied by a fever or has a foul or unpleasant odor, which could indicate a potential infection that requires urgent treatment.
A sudden gush or continuous trickle of clear or pale yellow fluid that soaks through clothing suggests the amniotic sac may have ruptured. If the fluid is green or dark yellow, or if there is a noticeable decrease in the baby’s movement, you must contact your provider right away. These symptoms move beyond the normal progression of late pregnancy and warrant immediate medical assessment.