A mucus plug is a normal and expected part of pregnancy, serving a protective role for the developing baby. Its presence throughout gestation helps maintain a healthy environment within the uterus. Understanding the signs of losing this plug can provide insight into the body’s preparations for labor.
Understanding the Mucus Plug
The cervical mucus plug is a collection of thick mucus that seals the cervical canal during pregnancy. This natural barrier forms early in gestation, typically by around 12 weeks, and remains in place until the body begins preparing for birth. Located at the cervix, the opening of the uterus, its primary function is to deter the passage of bacteria and other potential sources of infection from the vagina into the uterus. The plug also contains antimicrobial agents, enhancing its defensive capabilities.
Recognizing Its Appearance
When the mucus plug is lost, its appearance can vary. It typically has a gel-like, sticky, or stringy texture, similar to mucus from a cold. The color often ranges from clear or off-white to yellowish. It can also appear pinkish, brownish, or tinged with small streaks of red blood, which is normal as the cervix begins to soften and dilate.
The expelled mucus plug can also differ in size; it may come out as a single clump, roughly 1 to 2 inches long with a volume of about one to two tablespoons. For some, it may be lost gradually in smaller pieces over several hours or days, making it less noticeable or sometimes indistinguishable from increased vaginal discharge. Blood-tinged mucus often distinguishes it from typical pregnancy discharge, which is usually thinner and lacks blood.
What Losing It Indicates
Losing the mucus plug signals that the body is preparing for labor, as the cervix softens, thins, and starts to open. This process dislodges the plug, which then passes through the vagina. While it indicates cervical changes are underway, it does not necessarily mean labor is imminent. Labor could begin within hours or days, or it might still be weeks away.
It is important to distinguish the loss of the mucus plug from “bloody show.” Bloody show refers to vaginal discharge noticeably tinged with blood, often pink, red, or brown. This occurs when tiny blood vessels in the cervix rupture as it dilates and thins, mixing with cervical mucus. Losing the mucus plug is a general sign of progression, whereas bloody show typically suggests labor is closer, often within a day or two.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While losing the mucus plug is a normal part of late pregnancy, certain signs warrant contacting a healthcare provider. Seek medical advice if the mucus plug is lost before 37 weeks of pregnancy, as this could indicate a risk of preterm labor. Also, contact a provider for significant bright red bleeding heavier than spotting, such as filling a pad quickly, as this might signal a more serious complication.
If the expelled mucus has a foul odor or an unusual color like green or bright yellow, it could suggest an infection. A sudden gush of fluid from the vagina, indicating the water has broken, also requires contacting a healthcare provider. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns after losing the mucus plug.