What is a mucous plug during pregnancy?

What is a mucous plug?

During their pregnancy-free cycles, women secrete a mucus called cervical mucus from their reproductive tract. Its purpose is to hydrate and facilitate sperm access to the uterus and fallopian tubes, thus helping fertilization. If no fertilization occurs during ovulation, this mucus is naturally evacuated with the periods. But if fertilization does occur and pregnancy is underway, the mucus coagulates at the entrance to the cervix, creating a protective plug at the entrance to the uterus. It is precisely this accumulation of cervical mucus that we call the mucous plug. Its purpose is to protect the fetus from possible infection, and it thickens and regenerates throughout pregnancy for the baby's benefit. 

Loss of the mucous plug

At the end of pregnancy, and in particular under the effect of physiological contractions at the end of pregnancy, the cervix of pregnant women moves. With it, the mucous plug moves too, and will eventually break free and be evacuated in the form of a sticky discharge. The loss of the mucous plug is painless and can also be synchronized with the opening of the cervix. Its color varies from woman to woman, ranging from white, grayish-white, pinkish, beige or brown. It may also contain small filaments of blood, which are in fact the relics of the small blood vessels that were ruptured when the mucous button detached.

However, the loss of the mucous plug does not necessarily occur at the end of pregnancy or the beginning of labor. It can happen all at once, or gradually, so that the pregnant woman doesn't necessarily notice it, as it mingles with vaginal secretions. This loss often occurs a few days before delivery, on the day itself, or at the moment of delivery, but the mucous plug can also be evacuated during the third trimester of pregnancy, without heralding delivery. Although this is often not a cause for concern, it is advisable to consult a health professional. To avoid any inconvenience, you can use post-partum menstrual panties.

To signal the onset of labor, other signs must accompany the loss of the mucous plug, such as regular, increasingly intense contractions, or the rupture of the water sac. It's important not to confuse the loss of water or amniotic fluid, which is more or less abundant and very liquid, requiring a quick trip to the maternity ward as the baby is no longer protected from infection, with the loss of the mucous plug, which is more slimy and relatively small in quantity.

When you lose the mucous plug, how long afterwards do you give birth?

Loss of the mucous plug is often considered an early sign of labor, but it does not necessarily mean that delivery is imminent. This can vary from woman to woman. Sometimes, labor can occur within days of the loss of the mucous plug, but in other cases, it may take longer.

How can I tell if it's the mucous plug?

The mucous plug is a viscous, gelatinous substance which may be pale, pinkish or tinged with blood. It is usually expelled by the cervix as it begins to dilate in preparation for childbirth. However, mucous plug loss can be confused with other normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy. If you have any doubts, it's best to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or midwife, for confirmation.

When is the mucous plug lost?

The loss of the mucous plug can occur at different times for different women. Some may lose it just a few days before going into labor, while others may lose it several weeks in advance.

How much mucous plug is there?

The amount of mucous plug can vary from one woman to another. Some may lose small amounts that can go unnoticed, while others may lose larger amounts that are more obvious.

It's essential to note that every pregnancy is unique, and the signs of labor may vary from one woman to another. If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or gynecologist, for personalized advice.