What exactly is a "mucus plug" and how will I know when I lose it?

Question

I am 29 weeks pregnant and just curious what exactly a mucus plug is. I have determined that it is lost near the time of labor, but was wondering if I could obtain more specific information? Will I know when I lose mine or will it depend on my situation? Is it a "feeling" or does something actually come out? I know I haven't lost mine or anything, just wanting some more information from those who have had this experience before.

Thanks in advance! :)

Answer 1

The mucous plug is a collection of cervical mucus that seals the opening of the cervix. It keeps bacteria and infection from entering into the cervix, providing a protective barrier for the developing baby.
Some women describe the mucous plug as looking more like the mucous in your nose. It may look like a thick glob of stringy mucous, thicker than what you would see with normal vaginal secretions. If you are close to going into labor you may see pink, brown, or red blood around the edges of the mucous plug. This is called the “bloody show”.

Some women will lose their mucous plug or part of their mucous plug weeks before they go into labor. Losing your mucous plug does not always mean labor will begin shortly. Keep in mind that even if a woman has begun to dilate, it may be weeks before she actually goes into labor. However, if you notice blood tinged mucous before your thirty-sixth week of pregnancy, notify your doctor right away. As your body prepares for labor your cervix will begin to dilate and thin. As your cervix opens up, your mucous plug may fall out. Losing your mucous plug is a good sign that labor is on its way. Though, it could be days or even weeks after you lose your mucous plug before labor actually starts. Many women do not lose their mucous plug at one time; instead, they lose it more gradually. They may notice an increase in vaginal secretions weeks before they go into labor.

Answer 2

The mucus plug is just mucus that is closing the entrance to the uterus at the cervix. Some women know when they lose it and others don't. I have had two children and I never knew when I lost the mucus plug. I think for most it is just like heavy discharge and usually is lost in the last week or so before you have the baby, but sometimes not until you actually deliver..

Answer 3

It really depends on you and your situation. Your mucus plus is similar to the stopper in the bathtub that keeps water in. Your mucus plug keeps the amniotic fluid inside your uterus until baby is ready to come out. I am not sure if you will actually know when you lose it, but this generally occurs before your water breaks.

Answer 4

What does the mucous plug look like?
Some women describe the mucous plug as looking more like the mucous in your nose. It may look like a thick glob of stringy mucous, thicker than what you would see with normal vaginal secretions. If you are close to going into labor you may see pink, brown, or red blood around the edges of the mucous plug. This is called the “bloody show”.

When do you lose your mucous plug?
Some women will lose their mucous plug or part of their mucous plug weeks before they go into labor. Losing your mucous plug does not always mean labor will begin shortly. Keep in mind that even if a woman has begun to dilate, it may be weeks before she actually goes into labor. However, if you notice blood tinged mucous before your thirty-sixth week of pregnancy, notify your doctor right away. As your body prepares for labor your cervix will begin to dilate and thin. As your cervix opens up, your mucous plug may fall out. Losing your mucous plug is a good sign that labor is on its way. Though, it could be days or even weeks after you lose your mucous plug before labor actually starts. Many women do not lose their mucous plug at one time; instead, they lose it more gradually. They may notice an increase in vaginal secretions weeks before they go into labor.

LOL when I lost mine I thought it was "TIME" my husband was running around looking for the car keys grabbing my bag and was mad he couldn't find the keys.... They were in his hand! LOL

Answer 5

It looks like a big ball of snot with blood in it. Seriously, they look really gross and you will know when you lose it, lol.

Here, I found a pic... not for the squeamish.

http://www.ambiguous.org/quinn/images/pregnancy/mucous-plug3.jpg

Nice hey? lol Basically, it is what has closed up your cervix to keep it nice for baby all this time.

Answer 6

mucus plug is exactly that......it seals the opening in your cervix.

when you lose it there will be a discharge, but you may or may not know what it is....sometimes comes with "bloody show".......

Answer 7

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS LIKE A HEAVY DISCHARGE WITH BLOOD IN IT.I NEVER LOST MINE WITH ANY OF MY PREGNANCY'S.