Labor could be hours days or even weeks away as the cervix gradually opens. Losing the mucus plug may be a sign of labor but not always.

Mucus Plug 101 Who What Where When Why With Photos

However in case you lose your mucus plug early it may not be assign of labor.

Mucus plug and labor. When a person loses their mucus. When the plug is passed it doesn t necessarily mean that labor is imminent. You won t necessarily go into labour early but it s important to seek advice just to be on the safe side.

When the cervix begins to open wider the mucus is discharged into the vagina and may be clear pink or slightly bloody. The other signs of labor are rupture of the membranes cervical effacement and cervical dilation and strong regular contractions. The mucus plug is a thick clump of cervical mucus that forms during pregnancy helping block the cervix.

Your cervix is likely effacing or dilating or both to get ready for the big day. The cervix is the entrance from the vagina to the uterus. It is after all one of the main lines of defense between your womb and the outside world.

The mucus plug thins and falls out in response to a rise in estrogen as well as pressure from the baby s head pushing on the cervix as labor approaches. The mucus plug accumulates at the cervix during pregnancy. Losing your mucus plug usually means that your body is preparing for labor.

Losing your mucus plug could mean labor is imminent or that it s still weeks away. Before labor this mucus plug is expelled allowing the baby to pass through the cervix during labor and birth. There is typically little if any pain when the mucus plug is passed.

During the late third trimester this plug might be pushed into your vagina. If you re full term when the mucus plug comes out wait until you re getting regular and frequent contractions before calling your midwife. Increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy a thick plug of mucus blocks the cervical opening to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus.

How soon after my mucus plug passes will labor begin. It tends to happen from the 38 th week of pregnancy onwards though it can happen earlier. If you think the mucus plug has come out before you re 37 weeks pregnant call your midwife.

Delivery day is almost here. But when it s accompanied by bloody show pack your bags. Passing a mucus plug is a sign that your cervix is dilating and that your body is preparing for birth.

Some women will complain of nagging pain in the lower abdomen similar to menstrual cramping though this is less common. Losing your mucus plug when you re pregnant doesn t happen in the same way for all women and it s not the same as bloody show. Once you re in active labor expect to dilate more quickly.