What is a mucus plug?

Question

I have two questions. One is kinda silly. I hear so much about the mucas plug. What exactly is that? And when you lose is, is that when labor is going to start? & how do you know if you've lost it?

Second, I'm 32 weeks with my first baby, and the last couple of days ive been having some bad back pains, upper and lower, and also some slight cramps in my abdomin. My daughter is still kicking and moving like crazy, so i'm sure she's okay, I'm just wondering if the new pains are common at this time in pregnancy?

Answer 1

Throughout pregnancy, a mucus plug blocks the opening of the cervix to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. Before labor, this mucus plug is expelled so that the cervix can open to allow the baby to pass through during labor and birth.

Passing a mucus plug is a sign that your cervix is dilating and your body is starting to prepare for birth. Labor could be hours, days, or even weeks away as the cervix gradually opens over time.

A mucus plug may be clear, slightly pink or blood tinged in color. It may be stringy mucus or sticky discharge. Some women may not even notice the loss of their mucus plug because there is already an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy.

If the mucus seems normal in color, there is no need to contact your health care provider immediately. You may just want to let them know at your next visit.

You should call your health care provider immediately if your discharge suddenly becomes bright red and the amount is more than an ounce (about two tablespoons). You could be experiencing a complication such as placenta previa or placental abruption.

Hope this helps - be well.

Rick the Pharmacist

Answer 2

Well, the first part of your question is about the mucus plug, and sorry if it seems a little gross. Basically when you get pregnant your body starts to form a thick mucus that forms at the cervix and kind of seals off the cervix. As you pregnancy goes on the mucus plug gets thicker. when it comes out it is kind of gross. It's a thick almost snotty consistency that can have some blood in it. It does mean that you are getting close to having your baby when it comes out, but not all women loose the plug before going into labor and some do not realize or notice that it has come out.

As far as the back pain and the cramping. It could be Braxton-Hicks contractions or it could be a sign of early labor or it could just be a normal part of being at the end of your pregnancy. This one I would definitely discuss with the OB. Obviously if the cramping becomes strong and regular then call the doctor when they get to be about 4 min apart for an hour or whatever interval and duration your doctor has specified. Never feel silly calling your OB with questions like these especially if this is your first pregnancy. They want you to ask questions and you need to get answers from them to ease your mind and they will let you know what things to be aware of as your pregnancy nears full-term.

Answer 3

well the mucas plug is like a cork that holds the cervix closed and when your cervix begins to soften and open is usually when the plug is lost. it could happen weeks before actual labor or just a few hours. and the back pain and slight cramping is normal. i have had 2 babies ones 7 and the other is 2 and am expecting my 3rd in 2 short weeks.

Answer 4

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A mucus plug may be clear, slightly pink or blood tinged in color. It may be stringy mucus or sticky discharge. Some women may not even notice the loss of their mucus plug because there is already an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy.

A mucus plug blocks the opening of the cervix to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. Before labor, this mucus plug is expelled so that the cervix can open to allow the baby to pass through during labor and birth.

Answer 5

Yes, everything is comletly fine. Its kind of scarey towards the end because so much is happening and you have never been through it before!!!

Definition: The plug of mucous that fills the cervix to protect against disease and infection. This may start leaking out as the cervix slowly starts opening before labor, or may come out in one big chunk. It can be pink or tinged with blood.

Everyone is different when it comes to the actual labor starting after you lose the mucous plug. I know with my child, i lost it a few weeks before i went into labor. But sometimes it can start directly after. It differs from person to person. But everything you are going through is completly normal!! How exciting!!
Good luck you and your new daughter.... AND CONGRATS!!!

Answer 6

The pains and cramps could be just Braxton Hicks contractions or the body's way of getting ready. It doesn't mean anything is wrong as long as baby is moving good and all. but, if you want info on the other: check this out about the mucus plug.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/mucusplug.html

Answer 7

The mucus plug is just a blob of mucus. I've had two pregnancies and only lost it once. It was still weeks before I went into labor.

Answer 8

1- as the others said above, but i didn't even know i had lost mine, but the midwife said it could of been when i went to the toilet or while having a shower, its weird to think i didn't even know!

2- i'm not gonna say your pains are normal cause i'm not a doctor, but i had pains (called braxton hicks) for weeks before i went into labor. and they sound like the ones you are experiencing, if you have any concerns, as small as they might seem, go to the doctor, it will put your mind at rest! best of luck!!!!

Answer 9

The mucus plug is GROSS!!!!! Believe me, if you are wearing jeans, you'll know it. It is a huge snot rocket, really watery like. I lost mine with my first and I went into labor that night, it's different for every one. If you are worried, see your doctor. They can always squeeze you in!!!