Every woman’s labor and delivery experience is unique, and the timing of losing the mucus plug can vary. Some women notice it come out all at once or in smaller pieces, while others never realize it happened.
Losing your mucus plug can be a sign that your cervix is beginning to change as your body prepares for birth, but it does not mean labor will start immediately. Here’s what the mucus plug is, what it may look like, and what to expect after you lose it.1
Key Takeaways
- The mucus plug is a thick collection of mucus that helps block bacteria from entering the uterus during pregnancy.
- It may look clear, white, pink, brown, or slightly blood-tinged and can come out all at once or gradually.
- Losing your mucus plug does not mean active labor will begin immediately. Labor may still be hours, days, or weeks away.
- Contact your provider if you lose it before 37 weeks or have heavy bleeding, regular contractions, decreased fetal movement, or possible fluid leakage.
What Is a Mucus Plug?
Throughout most of pregnancy, your cervix remains closed and not dilated. But even when it is closed, there is a small opening through the cervix. The mucus plug is a buildup of mucus in the cervical canal. This mucus forms a protective barrier that helps limit bacteria from entering the uterus.¹ When the mucus plug comes out, it may mean your cervix is beginning to soften, thin (efface), or dilate as your body prepares for labor.1 It doesn’t mean labor will begin immediately, but it is a good sign that your body is preparing for birth.1
What Does a Mucus Plug Look Like?
Its appearance can vary, but a mucus plug is usually thick, sticky, stringy, or jelly-like. It may come out as one large piece or in smaller pieces over time.1 It may also contain small streaks of pink, red, or brown blood, especially if you recently had sex or a cervical exam.3 Bleeding that resembles a menstrual period or feels heavy should always be reported to your healthcare provider.
Related: Cervical Check: What Dilation, Effacement, and Station Mean
Mucus Plug vs. Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge often increases during pregnancy, especially as your due date approaches. This is completely normal.1 As long as you aren’t having other symptoms, such as itching or an odor, it usually isn’t anything to worry about. Ask your healthcare provider about any discharge that seems unusual or concerns you. Sometimes, symptoms like unusual discharge, itching, or odor may be caused by a bacterial or yeast infection, which can be treated.2
When Will I Go Into Labor?
Losing your mucus plug does not necessarily mean it’s time to go to the hospital. Although losing your mucus plug is one sign that your body is preparing for labor, it doesn’t mean you are in labor. Some women begin having contractions hours or days after. In some cases, it can still be weeks before labor begins.1 Make sure to mention it to your provider at your next appointment.
Your healthcare provider can advise you about whether you need to be evaluated based on your symptoms and how far along you are. Contact your healthcare provider if you have regular contractions, heavy bleeding, decreased fetal movement, think your water has broken, or lose your mucus plug before 37 weeks.
Related: Signs Labor Is Near: How To Know Baby Is Coming
Will It Happen More Than Once?
It may! Your body consistently produces more cervical and vaginal mucus, so if you didn’t go into labor, the mucus plug can reaccumulate, which means you could lose it again.1 If you lost your mucus plug after a cervical exam or membrane sweep, you may notice more mucus afterward because your body continues producing cervical mucus.1
What if I Don’t Notice Losing My Mucus Plug?
That’s okay. Some women may not notice if it falls out while using the restroom. It can come out in pieces or all at once. Or it may happen at the same time as labor starts.1,4 Don’t worry. Not noticing it does not indicate anything about how your labor or delivery will unfold.1
Related: Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy: What’s Normal?
How Do I Know if My Water Is Broken?
Many women notice increased vaginal discharge near the end of pregnancy.5 Because of this, damp underwear alone isn’t a reliable way to tell whether your water has broken. Amniotic fluid is usually thin and watery rather than thick or mucus-like. It may come as an obvious gush or as a slow, steady trickle.6
It is common for women to leak urine at the end of pregnancy, thanks to your baby sitting directly on top of your bladder.7 It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference. If you’re unsure whether your water has broken, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and possible evaluation.4,6,7
Related: How Do You Know if Your Water Broke?
When To Contact Your Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you lose your mucus plug before 37 weeks, have regular or increasingly painful contractions, experience heavy bleeding, notice decreased fetal movement, or think your water may have broken.1,3,6
If you are at least 37 weeks pregnant and have no other concerning symptoms, losing your mucus plug alone usually does not require immediate treatment. Continue watching for other signs of labor and follow the instructions provided by your maternity care team.1
Losing your mucus plug is one sign that your body is preparing for labor and delivery, but it doesn’t tell you exactly when labor will begin. Continue paying attention to other signs of labor, such as regular contractions or your water breaking, and contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns or think labor may be starting.
