As you approach the end of your pregnancy, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This discharge is often a mix of mucus and fluid that can be clear, pink, or slightly bloody. It’s important to know the difference between normal pregnancy discharge and your mucus plug coming out, as passing your mucus plug can be a sign that labor is starting soon.
What is the mucus plug?
The mucus plug is a collection of cervical mucus that seals off the opening of the cervix during pregnancy. It forms early on in the first trimester and acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and infection entering the uterus. The plug is usually clear or pale yellow in color and can be tinged with a small amount of blood.
As you get closer to labor and delivery, the cervix begins to thin out and soften, known as effacement. This causes the mucus plug to loosen and dislodge from the cervix. Loss of the mucus plug is known as the “bloody show” and it means your cervix is beginning to dilate in preparation for labor.
Signs you may have lost your mucus plug
Here are some signs that you may have passed your mucus plug:
- A large discharge of mucus or fluid from the vagina
- The mucus is thick, jelly-like, or globby
- It may be clear, pink, brown, or slightly bloody in color
- You may pass the plug all at once or over the course of several days/weeks
- Mild cramping or pressure in the pelvis, lower back, or thighs
It’s impossible to miss passing your mucus plug – the amount of discharge is far more than regular vaginal discharge. It’s a distinct event rather than just a slight increase in normal secretions.
What is normal pregnancy discharge?
An increase in normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy is very common. This discharge will be white, milky, or thin and watery. It’s made up of secretions from the cervix and vaginal walls as well as dead cells as the cervix thins out.
Unlike the mucus plug, regular pregnancy discharge:
- Is thinner, more watery and slippery
- Appears over time rather than suddenly
- Does not have any mucus-like texture
- Is typically white, off-white, or milky in color rather than pink or bloody
This discharge helps prevent any harmful bacteria from entering the birth canal. You may need to wear panty liners as your due date approaches to help absorb the increased moisture and discharge.
When to see your doctor
While an increase in vaginal discharge is normal as you near labor, there are some situations in which you should contact your healthcare provider:
- The discharge has a foul or fishy odor
- The discharge is green, yellow, or grey in color
- You have pain, burning, or itching of the vulva
- You have redness, swelling, or soreness of the vagina or vulva
- You have painful urination
- You have continuous bleeding with the discharge
- You have symptoms of preterm labor like cramps, pelvic pressure, or backache
A change in the color, smell, or quantity of discharge, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, could indicate an infection that requires treatment. Call right away if you notice anything abnormal.
When to call if you lose your mucus plug
Losing your mucus plug doesn’t always mean that labor is immediately imminent. However, you should still contact your doctor if:
- You pass large amounts of bright red blood along with the plug
- The discharge continues over several days
- You have regular contractions that follow passing the plug
- Your water breaks in addition to losing the plug
- You have any signs or symptoms of preterm labor
Your doctor can check to make sure your cervix isn’t dilating too rapidly and that labor isn’t progressing too fast. Call right away if your water breaks, even if you have no contractions.
When labor is likely after losing your mucus plug
For most women, labor will start within a few days to a week after passing the mucus plug. However, there is no definitive timeline:
- You may go into labor within hours of passing your plug
- Some women go into labor as much as 4 weeks after losing their plug
- Others may not go into labor until they are induced around their due date
The timing varies significantly among women. Don’t become discouraged if you lose your plug weeks before your due date and labor doesn’t start right away. At the same time, be prepared just in case your labor kicks off sooner.
Other signs labor is approaching
In addition to losing your mucus plug, watch for these other signs that labor is likely in the next few days or weeks:
- Lightening. Your baby’s head drops lower into your pelvis.
- Nesting instinct. A burst of energy to clean and organize your home.
- Loose joints and increased clumsiness.
- Diarrhea. Hormonal changes can stimulate your bowels.
- Frequent Braxton Hicks contractions.
- Lower backache.
- More pelvic pressure.
While these signs indicate your body is prepping for delivery, they don’t confirm exactly when labor will start. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider so they know to look for any signs of preterm labor.
Preparing for labor
Once you lose your mucus plug, it’s smart to start getting ready for the big event. Here are some ways to prepare:
- Pack your hospital bag – Have your bag ready to go with clothes, toiletries, and any other items you plan to bring.
- Install your car seat – Don’t wait until you’re in labor to install your infant car seat!
- Freeze meals – Stock your freezer with easy frozen meals and snacks.
- Tidy up – Do laundry, wash dishes, and clean up around the house.
- Make childcare plans – If you have older kids, line up help to care for them when you go into labor.
- Get rested – Try to get enough sleep leading up to labor.
Of course, even with all the preparation, labor can still catch you by surprise! If you start having contractions or your water breaks, don’t hesitate to call your doctor or midwife.
Can losing the mucus plug cause complications?
For most women, losing the mucus plug is a normal part of preparing for childbirth and not a cause for concern. However, there are some risks in a small number of cases:
- Infection – Without the protective plug, bacteria has an easier time getting into the uterus and causing infection.
- Preterm labor – Early loss of the mucus plug may occur with preterm labor.
- Prolapsed cord – If the umbilical cord precedes your baby’s exit from the womb, it can compress the cord and cut off blood flow.
- Placental abruption – The placenta may partly or completely detach from the uterine lining, impairing oxygen to the baby.
Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely after losing your mucus plug and can watch for any of these complications. Be sure to call if you have any worrying symptoms after passing the plug.
Conclusion
Losing your mucus plug signals your body is making progress toward labor, but it doesn’t guarantee exactly when the big day will arrive. While passing the plug can be an exciting milestone that delivery is approaching, make sure to contact your doctor if you have any concerning symptoms.
Pay close attention to any changes in discharge as you reach the end of pregnancy. A noticeable increase in vaginal secretions is common and normal. However, a big discharge of mucus likely represents the loss of your protective cervical plug.
With your healthcare provider’s guidance, you can stay healthy through the final weeks as your body prepares to give birth. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your precious baby!