The mucus plug is a collection of cervical mucus that blocks the opening of the uterus during pregnancy. It forms early on in pregnancy and acts as a protective barrier to prevent infections from entering the uterus. Knowing what the mucus plug looks like can help you identify when you may be starting to lose it, signaling the onset of labor.
What is the mucus plug?
The mucus plug is formed from secretions made by the cervix. The cervix produces mucus all the time, but during pregnancy it makes a special thick, glue-like mucus that helps seal off the uterus. This mucus plug acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and other infectious agents, preventing them from entering the uterus and potentially harming the developing baby.
The mucus plug starts forming early on, around 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. At first it is thin and stringy, but as pregnancy progresses it becomes thicker and forms a solid mass that blocks the opening of the cervix. The mucus plug continues to grow and accumulate mucus throughout pregnancy.
Having a mucus plug is completely normal in pregnancy and serves an important protective function for mother and baby. Towards the end of pregnancy, the mucus plug is usually expelled as a woman’s body prepares for labor and delivery. The loss of the mucus plug is known as “bloody show” and it’s one of the first signs that labor is approaching.
What does the mucus plug look like?
The mucus plug can vary somewhat in appearance from woman to woman. Here are some of the main ways to describe what the mucus plug typically looks like:
- Thick and gluey – The mucus plug often resembles glue or egg whites in its thickness and texture.
- Gelatinous – The mucus has a jelly-like consistency.
- Yellowish or white – The plug is often white or pale yellow, similar to raw egg whites.
- Spotted with blood – Some blood is common and gives the plug a speckled, reddish-brown appearance.
- Large clump – The plug may come out in one large, thick mass that is 2-4 centimeters long.
- Stringy and slimy – Thinner parts of the plug may be more stringy and slimy.
Keep in mind the mucus plug can come out all at once or in smaller pieces over hours or days. You may pass a long stringy piece of mucus that stretches an inch or more before breaking off. It’s also common for some of the plug to come away from the cervix while still leaving a portion of it in place to continue blocking the opening.
What does the mucus plug look like on underwear?
When the mucus plug passes out through the vagina, it typically ends up on a woman’s underwear. Here are some things you may notice:
- A slippery, gelatinous glob of mucus ranging from dime-size to a few inches long.
- A thick discharge that is yellowish, brownish, or tinged with old blood.
- A sticky, slimy stain on the underwear that stretches an inch or more before breaking.
- Specks or streaks of pinkish or brownish blood mixed within the discharge.
The mucus plug tends to be quite thick, so it won’t soak into underwear like other fluid discharges might. Instead, it tends to sit on top of the fabric. The texture is often described as similar to egg white or jelly.
What does bloody show look like?
Bloody show is the term used to describe losing the mucus plug that is tinged or streaked with blood. This is very common. Here’s what to look for with bloody show:
- Pink, reddish or brownish mucus discharge.
- The mucus may range from having just a few streaks of old blood to being fully reddish-brown in color.
- It may be mixed with the thick, glue-like mucus typical of the plug.
- May come out over multiple bathroom trips before labor starts.
- There is typically not enough blood to soak a pad or underwear.
You should notify your doctor if you notice these signs of bloody show, as it means labor will likely start within the next few days or weeks.
How much mucus plug comes out?
The amount of mucus plug that comes out can vary:
- Some women lose the entire plug all at once.
- Others lose bits and pieces of it over hours or days leading up to labor.
- Larger pieces may be a few inches long and over a centimeter thick.
- Smaller pieces may be dime-sized blobs or stringy globs.
- Total amount expelled ranges from about 1-4 tablespoons.
Losing small bits of mucus throughout pregnancy as the plug loosens is normal. Losing larger amounts is more significant and typically means labor is approaching within the next couple weeks.
When does the mucus plug come out?
For most women, the mucus plug is expelled in the last weeks leading up to labor, anywhere from 0-4 weeks before giving birth. Here’s the typical timeline:
- 37-40 weeks pregnant – Most women lose their mucus plug during this time. Losing the plug signals your body is starting to prepare for labor.
- Early labor – Some women lose bits of plug throughout early labor before contractions become regular.
- Active labor – For others, the plug comes out when contractions are strong, signaling active labor is starting.
- Right before labor – Some women lose the entire mucus plug within hours or days before going into labor.
Rarely, the mucus plug comes out very early, before 37 weeks. This could signal preterm labor, so it’s important to notify your provider right away if you lose your plug early.
Does losing the mucus plug mean labor is coming soon?
Losing your mucus plug is a good sign that your body is preparing for labor. In most cases, labor starts within the next 0-4 weeks after the mucus plug comes out. However, every woman is different:
- For some, labor starts within hours or days of losing the mucus plug.
- For others, it may take up to 4 weeks after losing the plug before labor begins.
- Occasionally, a woman can lose her mucus plug without going into labor for several more weeks.
So while losing the mucus plug signals your body is getting ready for labor, it doesn’t guarantee labor is imminent. Still, it’s a good idea to be prepared just in case once you notice you’ve lost your mucus plug.
Table: Timeframe from Losing Mucus Plug to Labor Beginning
| Timeframe | Percentage of Women |
|---|---|
| Within 48 hours | 25% |
| 2-7 days | 35% |
| 1-2 weeks | 25% |
| 3-4 weeks | 10% |
| More than 4 weeks | 5% |
Is losing the mucus plug painful?
Passing the mucus plug is typically not painful. Some women may experience mild discomfort such as:
- Menstrual-like cramping when the plug dislodges from the cervix
- Pressure in the pelvis as the plug moves down and out
- Irritation and slight stinging around the vaginal opening as it passes out
However, losing the mucus plug itself should not be extremely painful. If you have severe pain associated with passing the plug, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor to make sure something more serious isn’t going on.
How much bleeding is normal with losing the mucus plug?
It’s very common to have some bleeding when you lose your mucus plug, known as bloody show. Here’s what to expect:
- Spotting or light bleeding is normal
- Heavy bleeding is not typical
- Blood is usually mixed in with the discharge, not free flowing
- Bleeding shouldn’t be enough to soak a pad
- Pink, brown or red blood rather than bright red
Losing large amounts of blood when the mucus plug passes could potentially signal a complication, like placental abruption or placenta previa. Contact your doctor right away if you soak through a pad from bloody show.
What to do after losing your mucus plug
If you notice you’ve lost your mucus plug, here are some things you should do:
- Notify your doctor or midwife so they know labor may be approaching
- Watch for signs of labor like contractions, cramping, backache
- Avoid intercourse, as bacteria could now enter uterus
- Wear a panty liner for any discharge/bleeding
- Rest and stay hydrated in case labor is imminent
- Have your hospital bag ready to go!
Losing the mucus plug signals your body is prepping for delivery. While it doesn’t guarantee labor is imminent, it does mean childbirth is likely within the next 0-4 weeks. Talk with your healthcare provider about what to expect once you’ve lost your mucus plug.
When to worry after losing the mucus plug
In most cases, losing the mucus plug is a normal part of preparing for labor. However, there are some symptoms after losing the plug that could potentially signal an issue:
- Heavy bleeding – Soaking a pad from bloody show could indicate a problem like placental abruption.
- Severe pain – Extreme pain is not typical and could signify something like an infection.
- Fever or chills – A fever could indicate you have an infection like chorioamnionitis.
- Strong contractions – Very painful regular contractions likely mean premature labor.
- No fetal movement – Decreased fetal movement after losing your plug warrants a call to the doctor.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these warning signs after losing your mucus plug. Rarely, it may signal complications that need prompt medical care.
How to tell the mucus plug from other discharge
Losing the mucus plug is often confused with other types of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Mucus Plug vs. Leukorrhea
Leukorrhea is thin, milky white vaginal discharge that women often have during pregnancy. Compared to the mucus plug, leukorrhea is:
- Thinner, more watery discharge
- More white or pale yellow, rather than cloudy
- Absorbed more into underwear, less glob-like
- Not as stretchy or gelatinous
Leukorrhea discharge throughout pregnancy is normal and not a sign of labor approaching.
Mucus Plug vs. Bloody Discharge
Bloody discharge during pregnancy could either be bloody show (mucus plug with blood) or bleeding from another cause like cervical inflammation. Compare characteristics:
- Bloody show – Thick mucus discharge tinged with old brown blood or light pink staining
- Cervical bleeding – Bright red blood not mixed with mucus; may flow like a period
Bloody show is normal, while bloody discharge may indicate issues like cervical inflammation or placenta previa. Notify your doctor about any significant bleeding.
Mucus Plug vs. Water Breaking
It’s easy to confuse leaking amniotic fluid with losing the mucus plug. But there are differences:
- Mucus plug – Thick, gloopy discharge, may be tinged with blood
- Amniotic fluid – Thin, watery, odorless, and usually colorless fluid leakage
Amniotic fluid leaking before 37 weeks signals preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Tell your doctor if you suspect your water is breaking early.
Conclusions
To recap the key points:
- The mucus plug is a thick, jelly-like mass of mucus blocking the cervix during pregnancy.
- It’s usually white or yellowish in color. Blood-tinged discharge (bloody show) is common.
- Losing the plug signals labor will likely start within the next 0-4 weeks.
- Save any passed plug and call your healthcare provider so they know to watch for signs of labor approaching.
- While some discomfort may occur, passing the plug is not extremely painful.
- Watch for any abnormal symptoms after losing the plug like heavy bleeding that could indicate issues.
Knowing what the mucus plug normally looks like and when it’s passed helps you identify this sign labor is beginning to start. Pay attention to any discharge during the final weeks of pregnancy and notify your doctor about losing your mucus plug.