![]() ![]() Some women will have a good amount of noticeable blood mixed with mucus while others may not see much. The cervix is highly vascular, so it has a tendency to bleed when change occurs (like dilation) or anytime it’s manipulated (think cervical check). Often we think of blood during pregnancy as a cause for concern, but not in this case-this type of blood is normal. So how much attention should you give this little event? Well, not too much, unfortunately.Īlong with the mucus plug, many will also notice the presence of blood- or what is commonly referred to as Bloody Show. The process of losing the mucus plug can occur all at once or be long and slow (as with other signs of progress and prep work for labor!) The mucus plug has the incredible ability to regenerate if lost too soon and once you begin to see signs that you are losing your mucus plug, it can be anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks before labor starts. Once you begin to see signs that you are losing your mucus plug, it can be anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks before labor starts. Sometimes it appears as bigger, thicker jelly-like globs (yes, you read that right). Sometimes it appears as small amounts of brownish mucus when you wipe or in underwear. This discharge can be clear, pink, or even blood tinged. You might notice an increase in vaginal discharge when this happens. What happens when you lose the mucus plug?Īs the cervix starts to open (dilate) later in pregnancy, the mucus is released into the vagina. The mucus plug provides a critical added barrier of protection for your baby during pregnancy. It also contains natural, antibacterial properties that help prevent infection from reaching your baby in the uterus and preterm labor. Physically, it blocks the opening of the cervix. Technically speaking, the mucus plug is a thick collection of mucus that accumulates in the cervix during your pregnancy. ![]() So let’s dive right into this big, little part of pregnancy and labor. As far as signs of labor go, the loss of the mucus plug is well known but also a famously gray area. If any of these questions sound familiar, you’re in good company. Or is it a sign? Is that my mucus plug? Is that what it is supposed to look like? Should I tell someone? Is labor coming? Make sure your hospital bag is packed, your infant car seat is installed, etc.You’ve been waiting and wondering when this would happen- that first sign that maybe, just maybe, your baby is ready to come out into the world. Your body is just preparing for labor at some point in the near future, so don’t get too excited or anxious yet. Rest, eat, take a shower, go for a walk, and do all of your normal activities. Don’t go to the hospital unless you are having strong contractions, vaginal bleeding, decreased fetal movement, broken water, or any red flag symptoms. Relax! If you are not having contractions, fluid leaking, etc., you are not in labor yet. That mucus will also continue to be produced by your body as time goes by - so it’s almost like it can “regenerate” and you can “lose your mucus plug” again at a later time! What should I do when I lose my mucus plug! You might go into labor the same day, or you might not go into labor for another week. It means that your body is naturally doing what it’s supposed to: gradually prepare for the upcoming labor. Unfortunately, there isn’t any particular “rule” about when you will go into labor after losing your mucus plug! Losing your mucus plug simply means that your cervix has softened and opened just a little bit to allow the normal cervical mucus to slip out. How soon after losing my mucus plug will I go into labor? It may be white, clear, and possibly have streaks of blood in it (that is normal). You may find it in your underwear, or on your toilet tissue when you wipe after going to the bathroom. This is 100% normal and we call it “bloody show”. There are many small blood vessels in the cervix, so as it dilates you could also see a smear of blood in the mucus. When this happens, some of that mucus is able to slip out through your vagina. Toward the end of pregnancy, your cervix becomes soft and stretchy, and may open (dilate) a centimeter or two. This mucus plug serves to prevent bacteria from entering your uterus, where it could potentially cause infection. ![]() What is the mucus plug in pregnancy?ĭuring pregnancy, mucus naturally produced by your body collects in the cervix and forms a protective “plug”. First off, as your doula, we don’t have any TMI topics ) When you lose your mucus plug is actually something that we like to be notified of, so we can answer your questions with quality information and have a heads up that labor could potentially begin soon! Let’s talk about the mucus plug in pregnancy so you’ll know what to expect. ![]()
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