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When it comes to identifying the onset of labor, there are key signs to watch for. One such sign is the expulsion of the mucous plug from the vagina. However, it’s crucial to note that this discharge doesn’t always indicate immediate labor; rather, understanding its significance is vital for labor readiness.
What is a mucous plug?
A mucous plug is a thick, jelly-like lump that accumulates in the cervix during pregnancy, effectively sealing its outer opening. This discharge possesses distinctive characteristics setting it apart from regular vaginal secretions.
Within the womb, your baby develops in a relatively sterile environment. The mucous plug serves a vital role in safeguarding the cervix and the fetus against external contaminants and infections.
Structured to impede the passage of germs into the womb and through the cervix, this mucus plug acts as a barrier against potential threats. Intrusion of such germs into the womb heightens the risk of premature delivery, with studies indicating their involvement in approximately 25 percent of preterm births.
When does the mucous plug come out?
The mucous plug typically dislodges from the cervix and enters the vagina when the cervix begins to dilate or widen in preparation for childbirth. This dilation commonly initiates after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, it’s typical for the mucous plug to be expelled through the birth canal after this stage of pregnancy.
Nevertheless, the onset of labor may not immediately follow the release of the mucous plug. In certain instances, labor may commence before or after the expulsion of the plug. However, if the mucous plug is discharged before the 37th week of pregnancy, it could signal premature labor. In such cases, it’s essential to promptly seek medical advice from a healthcare provider.
Causes of mucus plug discharge
Causes of mucus plug discharge
Causes of mucus plug discharge during pregnancy include—
Dilation of the Cervix: As delivery time nears, the cervix starts to dilate. This dilation prompts the descent of the mucus plug from the cervix into the vagina. Consequently, there’s a sudden increase in vaginal discharge compared to normal, often leading to the expulsion of the entire mucous plug at once.
Cervical Abnormalities or Cervical Insufficiency: Uterine or cervical abnormalities can result in the inability to retain the fetus or baby within the uterus. In such cases, premature expulsion of the mucus plug from the cervix or even premature labor may occur.
Intercourse: Sexual activity during pregnancy is generally safe. However, there’s a risk of mucus plug discharge due to intercourse in late pregnancy. Post-37 weeks, mucous plug discharge is typically unproblematic. If it happens before this timeframe, consulting a doctor is advisable.
Cervical Examination: Occasionally, cervical examinations during pregnancy may inadvertently dislodge a lump of discharge. However, this occurrence is usually benign, and excessive concern is unnecessary.
What does the mucus plug look like?
The appearance of a mucus plug resembles normal discharge, often varying in color from clear like water to white or yellow. Some may notice a light pink hue or detect traces of red, indicating a blend with slight bleeding as the cervix dilates.
However, if the discharge appears bright red or seems heavily mixed with blood, it’s crucial to contact your doctor promptly. Such bleeding could indicate a more serious issue, such as premature ejaculation or placental abruption.
For some expectant mothers, the entire mucus plug may discharge all at once, while for others, it may happen gradually over time. Consequently, many individuals may not even notice the mucus plug being expelled. Nevertheless, there’s typically no cause for alarm in such instances.
Difference between mucus plug and normal discharge
Throughout pregnancy, experiencing vaginal discharge is normal, typically presenting as thin, white, or yellow in color. Conversely, the mucus plug discharged as the cervix dilates during labor differs significantly, being notably thicker and more abundant in volume.
What to do when the mucous plug is out?
If the mucus plug is discharged after 37 weeks of pregnancy, there’s typically no cause for alarm. Active labor might commence days or even weeks after the mucus plug expulsion. Moreover, it’s common for the mucus plug to come out during the delivery process itself, so maintaining a calm and vigilant attitude is advisable.
Even post-mucus plug expulsion, the cervix continues to produce discharge, which serves to safeguard the unborn child. Hence, living a normal life, including engaging in sexual activity, is generally safe in this state.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to observe the color, odor, and consistency of the discharged mucus plug. If the discharge appears redder than usual, it could signify vaginal bleeding. A discharge that’s more yellow or green than normal, or has a foul odor, might indicate an infection.
Should the mucus plug discharge before the 37th week, it could signal preterm labor. In such a scenario, immediate consultation with a doctor is imperative. Depending on the situation, the doctor might recommend complete rest until delivery.