Are you in the last half of your pregnancy? If so, you may have noticed a strange, thick, mucus-like discharge coming out of your vagina. Maybe you've noticed a little bit of it on your underwear, or you may have noticed it while cleaning yourself in the washroom. It's normal to feel a little scared when you see this. "What is this? Is it something wrong with the baby? Am I going to have a baby right now?" Many questions may come to mind. Don't worry, today we're talking about this experience that many people have, namely the Mucus Plug.
What exactly is this Mucus Plug?
Simply put, the mucus plug is a protective barrier between your uterus and the outside world. To be precise, it's a thick, jelly-like ball of mucus that seals the entrance to your uterus, called the cervix. Shortly after you become pregnant, your body produces this protective plug.
Its main function is to protect the baby inside your womb from germs like bacteria from outside. It also helps keep the cervix moist and healthy. It works like a cap on a bottle.
Towards the end of pregnancy , that is, as the baby approaches delivery, this mucus plug can come out as the cervix begins to open. For some people, it comes out all at once in a big lump. For others, it comes out gradually, over a few days. Most of the time, it goes away after the baby's due date, so some mothers don't even know it's gone.
What does this look like? What is the difference between a mucus plug and normal discharge?
Many people think of it as something thick like a cork. But it's actually different. It's usually thick, jelly-like, stringy . It's like the thick mucus we get when we have a cold.
This may be clear or white in color. Sometimes, it may be mixed with a small amount of blood and appear pink, brown, or light red. This is because the delicate blood vessels in the cervix burst when the cervix opens. This is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if the bleeding is very dark red, like during menstruation, it is something to talk about.
A question that many people have is how to distinguish this from normal vaginal discharge . Let's understand the difference clearly with the table below.
| Characteristic | Mucus Plug | Normal vaginal discharge |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Very thick, jelly-like, and stringy. | Liquid or creamy, thin. |
| Size | About 1-2 teaspoons. Can be taken all at once or little by little. | Usually low, but can increase during pregnancy. |
| Color | It can be clear, white, yellowish, or mixed with blood and be pink, brown, or light red. | Usually white or light yellow in color. No blood mixed in. |
Why does the mucus plug fall off?
There are several main reasons why the mucus plug may come off.
1. Cervical Dilation/Softening: As you get closer to giving birth, your cervix gradually softens, thins, and begins to open due to hormonal changes in your body. This is called 'ripening'. As the cervix opens in this way, the mucus plug that was stuck in it automatically comes off. This is the most common cause.
2. Sexual Intercourse: Sexual intercourse during the last half of pregnancy can sometimes cause the mucus plug to come off. This is not dangerous, so there is no need to worry.
3. Cervical Exam: Your doctor will manually check the cervix to see how open it is as you get closer to delivery. This test can sometimes help loosen the mucus plug.
What happens after the mucus plug is gone?
Many people think that the mucus plug is gone and the baby will be born in a few hours. But that's not always the case.
The loss of the mucus plug can be an early sign that your body is preparing for labor, but it doesn't mean you'll go into labor right away.
Some people may have a baby within a few days or weeks of the mucus plug passing. Others may have a period within a few hours of this passing. This varies from person to person.
However, if these things happen after the mucus plug passes, you may be close to labor:
- Regular, painful contractions that come at regular intervals
- Water breaking
If you have symptoms like these, it's best to call your doctor or hospital immediately.
Is it normal for the mucus plug to come out with blood?
Yes, as we've talked about before, it's completely normal for a small amount of blood, or a pink or brown discharge, to come out with the mucus plug. This is called a 'Bloody Show.' This means that the cervix is opening.
But, definitely be careful about this:
If you suddenly experience a lot of bright red blood , more than two or three teaspoons, or if you experience bleeding similar to your period, it is not normal. At this point, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
Can the Mucus Plug pass without blood?
Yes, absolutely. Some people may pass the mucus plug as a clear or white jelly-like discharge, without any blood. That's completely normal.
Are there any things to avoid after the mucus plug is gone?
In most cases, if you're past 37 weeks pregnant and only the mucus plug has passed and there are no other symptoms (such as pain, water breaking), there's nothing you need to specifically avoid. You can go about your normal activities.
However, if your water has also broken, your doctor may advise you to avoid having sex. This is because the baby is no longer protected by the fluid, which increases the risk of germs entering.
However, the best thing to do is to let your doctor know if you notice that your mucus plug has passed. He or she will then advise you on exactly what to do based on your situation.
Take-Home Message
- A mucus plug is a thick, mucus-like covering that covers the cervix during pregnancy to protect the baby from germs.
- It's normal for this plug to fall out as the cervix begins to dilate as the baby approaches. This is a sign that the body is preparing for labor.
- You won't get pregnant right away after you see this. It could be a few days or even a few weeks.
- It is normal to have a small amount of blood (pink/brown) with your discharge (Bloody Show). However, if the blood is very dark red, see a doctor immediately.
- If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think your mucus plug has passed, be sure to let your doctor know.
- If you have any doubts or concerns at any time, never hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
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