Identifying Your Mucus Plug
The mucus plug is a thick, gelatinous, sticky substance. Its color can vary, ranging from clear or off-white to yellowish, brownish, or even pinkish or reddish due to streaks of old blood. This blood-tinged appearance is called “bloody show.” The plug may be expelled as a single, noticeable glob, which can be about one to two tablespoons in volume, or it might come out in smaller pieces over time.
Distinguishing the mucus plug from other vaginal fluids is important. Unlike regular vaginal discharge, which is usually thinner and more watery, the mucus plug has a distinctly thick and gooey consistency. Amniotic fluid, in contrast, is typically a clear or pale yellow liquid that feels like water, either as a sudden gush or a continuous trickle. Its watery nature differentiates it from the mucus plug.
What Losing It Signifies
Losing the mucus plug signals the cervix is preparing for labor. The cervix softens, thins (effacement), and opens (dilates). As these changes occur, the mucus plug, which has sealed the cervical canal throughout pregnancy, can become dislodged and expelled.
While mucus plug loss indicates cervical ripening, it does not mean labor is imminent. For some individuals, labor might begin within hours or a few days, but for others, it could be weeks before contractions start. The timing of labor following mucus plug loss can vary significantly among pregnant individuals.
Factors such as sexual intercourse or a cervical examination can also dislodge the mucus plug. If expelled due to these activities without labor, the body can regenerate the plug.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
While losing the mucus plug is often a normal sign of late pregnancy, there are specific situations that warrant contacting a healthcare provider. One such instance is if the expelled mucus is accompanied by excessive bleeding, which is more than just a few streaks or a small amount of blood mixed with mucus. Significant bright red bleeding indicates a different issue and requires immediate medical evaluation.
Another important reason to seek medical advice is if there is a fluid gush or a continuous trickle of clear or pale yellow liquid. This signifies that the membranes have ruptured, commonly known as your “water breaking.” It is important to differentiate this watery fluid from the thick mucus plug, as ruptured membranes may increase the risk of infection and often indicate that labor will follow.
Contact a healthcare provider if regular and strong contractions begin, especially if they are increasing in frequency and intensity. While the mucus plug loss itself does not mean immediate labor, it is a sign to be more attentive to other labor symptoms. Any signs of infection, such as fever or unusual vaginal odor, also require prompt medical attention.
If the mucus plug is lost before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to notify a healthcare provider immediately, as this could be a concern for preterm labor. Any other symptoms that cause worry or concern should also be discussed with a healthcare provider, as they can provide personalized guidance and reassurance.
What to Expect Next
If the loss of the mucus plug occurs without any concerning signs, such as excessive bleeding, a gush of fluid, or regular contractions, it is generally appropriate to continue with normal activities. The body is preparing for labor, which can still be days or weeks away. It is helpful to remain attentive to other potential signs of labor progression.
Continue to monitor for changes like the onset of contractions, which may become more frequent and stronger, or the breaking of your water. Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest are beneficial. While the expulsion of the mucus plug is a notable event, it serves as one of many indicators that the body is nearing the end of pregnancy, rather than an immediate call to action unless other symptoms arise.