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.
Should
I call my doctor if I lose my mucous plug?
If
you are full term and have lost your mucous plug,
there is usually no need to call your doctor. You
may lose your mucous plug weeks before labor starts.
If you notice regular, timeable contractions after
losing your mucous plug, follow your doctor’s
protocol for proceeding to Labor and Delivery. If
you have a history of preterm
labor and you suspect you have lost your
mucous plug, call your doctor right away. If you notice
blood tinged mucous and are earlier than thirty-six
weeks call your doctor immediately. Moreover, you
should also call your doctor if you have sudden bright
red bleeding. Bleeding can be a sign of placenta
previa or placental abruption.