Have you ever heard of the mucus plug?1 It may have a funny name, but it is an important pregnancy event that most of us only learn about when we get pregnant for the first time. If you’ve never heard of the mucus plug or know what it is but have questions about how to identify it when the time comes, we’re here to tell you exactly what to expect!
For those who are about to have a baby, the warning light is already on. A little before labor, around the 37th week of pregnancy, we get alarmed by any sign that’s not common during pregnancy. The expulsion of the mucus plug is one of the signs of labor2, and that’s when many pregnant women get scared. When I was in the 35th week of pregnancy with Melissa, I had one of the biggest scares I could ever have during pregnancy.
Even with the experience of being a third-time mom, your nerves get on edge when something unexpected happens, especially when it’s not at the predicted time. Looking at readers’ questions, let’s learn how to identify the plug, know what to do when it’s coming out slowly, and how long it takes for the baby to be born after the mucus plug comes out. Let’s also see some signs that the mother is going into labor and when the appearance of a discharge becomes a cause for concern.
A little about the cervix
Knowing your own body is essential for a peaceful pregnancy. After all, the more information, the less anxiety! The female reproductive system is made up of several organs, including the uterus. The uterus, in turn, is divided into three parts, which are the body, isthmus, and cervix — the lowest part of the uterus, and the channel leading to the vagina.
Besides being the passageway for menstrual flow, it’s in this canal that cervical secretions are formed, which play an important role at the moment of fertilization by sperm and vary in intensity according to the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, however, the body’s dynamics change: the cervix needs to remain tightly closed to ensure the baby’s development and support its weight until it’s time for delivery. This is where the mucus plug comes in, which is a mucus produced by the body itself to block access to the uterus and forms right after the vaginal canal. If the cervix isn’t tightly closed, the continuation of pregnancy is at risk, as the chances of premature birth and miscarriage increase.
Characteristics of the Mucus Plug
In a way, the mucus plug is the “cork” that seals the cervix during pregnancy. It has characteristics quite different from regular white discharge3. The plug prevents dilation from happening and provides more safety for the baby inside the womb, preventing bacteria or other foreign microorganisms from coming into contact with the cervix and causing disease or infection.
The mucus plug is generally a clear secretion, like raw egg white. But it can also be a whitish, yellowish, bloody, and dark or reddish discharge. It’s a really strange jelly-like substance and may have some streaks of bright red blood. It can be alarming for some women, but don’t worry — it’s normal to notice its release up to 3 weeks before delivery.
Pictures of the Plug
The expulsion of the mucus plug
The mucus plug is usually expelled when there is a drop in hormones and the body is already preparing to start labor. These hormones act based on another hormone that the baby’s lungs release, indicating that they are mature enough for birth. Of course, every body is unique and each pregnancy is different, but in any case, it’s always good to be informed.
As for how long it takes for the baby to be born after losing the mucus plug, there’s no set rule. Expelling the mucus plug can happen weeks before birth, so it will only be time for delivery if you’re also having contractions.
It can also happen that the mucus plug comes out gradually, making it unnoticeable for the mother. In other cases it may not come out at all, being expelled only in the postpartum along with the remains of placenta the uterus eliminates at the end of pregnancy. Each of my pregnancies was different regarding the mucus plug.
The first time I didn’t even see the plug come out and I was having amniotic fluid leakage. In the second, I had 1cm of dilation from 37 weeks and that’s exactly when the plug came out. I got up in the morning and felt something come out of me, like a “plop,” and then I saw that brownish goo with streaks of blood.
The third time, it started coming out slowly. After that, a lot came out and I was frightened. I called my doctor and he said that unless I had very painful contractions and leaking fluid, it was perfectly normal. So ladies, if you need some peace of mind, go to the gynecological ER of your maternity hospital, call or text your doctor, who can advise and reassure you.
What is the normal time between the loss of the mucus plug and the onset of labor?
Although they are part of the same pregnancy process, it’s important to keep in mind that they are two different things. Losing the mucus plug does not necessarily mean labor has started. Every pregnancy is unique, so it’s impossible to set a common standard for all women. Not even the gestational age can predict the exact time the plug will come out.
There are cases where the woman notices the plug coming out up to three weeks before going into labor. In other cases, the loss is gradual. And for other women, the mucus plug only comes out right at the moment of delivery.
The beginning of labor
Although losing the mucus plug is one of the signs of labor, there are other indicators that together point to the baby’s arrival approaching. Basically, pregnant women should pay attention to the following bodily signs: back pain similar to menstrual cramps, regular hardening of the belly, with or without pain and at 15 or 10 minute intervals, softening of the cervix, and ruptured membranes.
If contractions become frequent and regular, this means labor has begun. To avoid confusion, it’s a good idea for the expectant mother to jot down the time of contractions.
How to identify abnormal vaginal discharge?
Now we know that losing the mucus plug is part of the pregnancy process. But what if there is an unusual discharge and we think it’s just the mucus plug coming out? Some tips can help us differentiate between the two. First, abnormal vaginal discharge will be accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching, burning sensation, and a strong odor. Also, small bumps may appear in the intimate area, and even swelling.
These can be signs of infections by fungi, bacteria, vaginitis, or even STIs. Pregnant women should pay attention to any change in their discharge and keep an eye on their underwear and toilet paper! A secretion can indicate any changes happening in the body.
Readers’ Questions:
How can I tell if I lost my mucus plug?
The mucus plug may come out gradually, so some women may not notice its exit. Only the obstetrician during a consultation and internal exam can tell if the mucus plug has already been lost. The best thing is always to pay attention to your mucus.
How to tell if it’s the mucus plug and not discharge?
The texture and color of the mucus plug are quite different from regular discharge. The plug has a slimy, jelly-like appearance and may have a reddish color or streaks of blood. Thick white discharge is normal. However, if the secretion has a strong smell, this could be a sign of infection and should be checked.
How to know if it’s the mucus plug and not your water breaking?
The amniotic sac usually breaks at the very end of pregnancy, close to the baby’s birth, and amniotic fluid is also different in appearance from the mucus plug. In pregnancy, the fetus is enclosed in a membrane containing a fluid produced in the uterus by the fetus itself. This fluid protects the fetus from impacts and potential infection problems, and it’s where the baby grows and develops until ready for life outside the womb.
Although it’s possible for the sac to break without the woman going into labor, usually the rupture comes with other signs and indicates that the mom should head to the maternity hospital soon. The mucus plug, on the other hand, acts like a cork blocking the cervix and protecting the fetus from bacteria, and can start to come out well before labor. It also has a more jelly-like than liquid form.
Does it hurt when the mucus plug comes out?
The woman feels absolutely nothing during the expulsion of the mucus plug. That’s why its expulsion is only noticed when the pregnant woman goes to the bathroom and, while wiping, sees it on the toilet paper or underwear. In cases where it comes out gradually, the woman might not even notice its loss.
What to do when you lose the mucus plug?
After losing the mucus plug, the pregnant woman should just wait for the signs of labor, nothing else. The mucus plug can come out weeks before the due date, so there’s no need to worry unless there is heavy bleeding or a lot of bright red blood. But pay attention: it’s a good idea to see a doctor if you feel persistent pain or if the mucus turns another color, like greenish.
Also read: Signs of Labor