Mucus plug in pregnancy: when does it form, what does it look like, how does it go away?

The mucus plug is significant from various perspectives. It seals the cervix like a barrier, protecting the fetus.

Your FAQs:
What does a mucus plug look like?
When does it form and what is its function?
When and how does it leave?
When do I give birth if my mucus plug has left?

Cervical mucus is a secretion that forms throughout most of the menstrual cycle and seals the cervix. At ovulation, the mucus dissolves for a short time and allows sperm to enter the uterus.

When does the mucus plug form? And what is its function?

The mucus plug is a gelatinous secretion. It is also formed normally during the menstrual cycle and also at the beginning of pregnancy. It becomes thicker and thicker after each ovulation.

It seals the cervix.

The mucus plug has antibodies in it that enhance its effect in fighting unwanted infections and microorganisms. It forms a kind of lock that seals the entrance to the uterus perfectly. This protects the cervix, the uterus and the growing fetus inside it.

The mucus plug protects the fetus throughout pregnancy.

What does a mucus plug look like?

It looks like a small amount of thick mucus. Sometimes it may be mixed with blood from the disturbed fine veins of the cervix and sometimes as a watery discharge.

Mucus can be:

• thick in consistency
• mucoid
• elongated
• watery
• clear
• with a hint of pink, brown or fresh blood

Caution.

However, if a larger amount of fresh red blood is present, a visit to the doctor is necessary.
It may be a placental abruption.

When does the mucus plug come off?

Approaching the start of the first period of labour is signalled by the mucus plug coming off.

Towards the end of pregnancy, the uterus descends and the fetal head enters the pelvic bones. This makes the cervix thinner and opens the internal gate.

And it is often at this time that the mucus plug leaves the cervix.

This is often mistaken for amniotic fluid drainage.

The mucus plug usually comes out 24 hours before labour starts, but it can happen earlier. It is not a reason to go to the hospital unless other symptoms, such as contractions or amniotic fluid, are present.

If you don't feel any contractions for a couple of hours after the plug is released, it's likely that the birth won't take place that day. But it's a good idea to see your doctor to check that everything is OK. The doctor will tell you how the birth is progressing.

How does the mucus plug come off?

The mucus plug may be released in whole or in parts over a period of days.

Yet many mothers do not even notice that their mucus plug is coming off.

However, it doesn't come off in every mother. Instead, it may take the form of a discharge a few days before delivery.

It's not painful. You may not even notice it.

Some moms-to-be feel a pain in the sac or lower abdomen, similar to menstrual pain, just as it is separating.

How the mucus plug comes off varies from woman to woman.
You may not notice it coming off.
It happens during a shower, in the toilet, during sex, or during a gynecological exam.

It happens that it comes out with the amniotic fluid. It is individual for each woman. Vaginal examination and sex can break the mucus plug and cause it to come out.

Many women are frightened or surprised to find thicker mucus with blood on their panties or toilet paper.

Expectant mothers, especially don't panic.
Unless there is a larger amount of fresh red blood or a larger clump of dark blood, possibly followed by vaginal bleeding.
In that case, you need to visit the hospital immediately and go for an examination so that you and the baby are not at risk.

Plus...

However, if the mucus plug becomes loose before the scheduled delivery date, at an earlier stage of pregnancy before the 38th week, you need to see a doctor, inform him about the condition and monitor the mom-to-be.

The function of the plug is that it protects the fetus from infections. But even after it is gone, you need not worry about infections.

The baby is protected by one more layer, the amniotic sac, in which it is contained.

Just observe hygiene and avoid swimming in the pool.

After the mucus plug is gone, you may still have a few hours or even days of fine spotting in the form of a pinkish or brownish discharge.

The table gives basic information about mucus plugs

Is it a mucus plug? A discharge? Or amniotic fluid?

A good advice in the last weeks of pregnancy is to use a sanitary napkin. Both because of the increased mucus production in the vagina with subsequent discharge or mucus plug (sometimes larger amounts), and because of the possibility of amniotic fluid gradually leaking out.

The liner absorbs at least part of it, although it won't help you if the amniotic sac ruptures and drains rapidly. But at least it catches some of it.

You can also keep better track of the colour, consistency and any odour of the discharge or amniotic fluid.

It's better for you too, to monitor that something is already happening and labor is coming. It's not a requirement though, just good advice.

Fingers crossed and wish you lots of joy when you finally hold your longed-for baby in your arms.