If you’re deep in the rabbit hole of pregnancy research, or curiously anticipating the first signs of labour, you’re likely to start hearing the term, mucus plug. Also known as a bloody show, both slightly unattractive terms are quite accurate in describing a crucial part of your pregnancy. In this article, with the help of our gynaecological and midwifery experts, you will discover what a mucus plug is and what happens when you lose it.
Our experts include Rachel FitzD, a specialist midwife with over 30 years experience, and Mr Narendra Pisal, a consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology- both of whom have given us some brilliant advice for expectant mothers.
What is the mucus plug?
The mucus plug is a thick, sticky slippery substance, made by secretions from the glands in your cervix. Narendra explains “It seals the cervical canal and creates a barrier to stop sources of infection, like bacteria, travelling up from the vagina into the womb during pregnancy.” The mucus plug plays a silent, but essential role for the duration of your pregnancy.
When does the mucus plug come away and what does it mean?
There are plenty of myths surrounding the mucus plug, but it may come out differently for each woman.
"Normally, the cervix is firm and unable to stretch open," says Rachel. "It is like a closed door. As pregnancy nears the end, hormones cause the cervix to soften and become stretchy in preparation for labour and birth.
"This softening process can start some weeks before even the very earliest stage of labour and then, as soon as the cervix is softer, it can let go of the mucus.
"Sometimes the mucus stays stuck up inside the top of the vagina and sometimes it comes out and we can see it."
Does losing the mucus plug mean I'm going into labour?
Rachel says it's important to remember that although people might tell you that seeing the mucus plug means that labour is starting, this isn't true.
"The mucus can start coming away as soon as the cervix begins softening, which means that you might get a mucusy discharge up to some weeks before the first contractions," she explained.
"At the opposite end of the scale, if the mucus stays stuck up inside the vagina, you might not see it at all until your baby is coming out. Because the mucus is made by the cells of the cervix, as it comes away, more is made." Other things can cause the mucus to get dislodged, such as after sex or a vaginal examination.
Narendra explains, that although losing the mucus plug doesn’t predict how long it will be until a woman goes into labour, “It does however indicate that your body and cervix are going through significant changes to prepare for childbirth.”
What does the mucus plug look like?
Once again, this varies from woman to woman, with different appearances for different mums. It could be a brown discharge, or contain blood, hence its nickname the bloody show.
"The term 'plug' is very misleading - it makes it sound solid, like a cork," says Rachel. "In truth, while the mucus can sometimes be quite thick, opaque and sticky, more often it is like raw egg-white.
"It is very slimy and difficult to clean away with tissue. As the cervix softens more and more, it starts to pull up a little and this can cause a little blood to be lost (this is quite normal) and so the mucus is then mixed with that."
A normal mucus plug can appear:
-
Opaque
-
Thick
-
Sticky
-
Slippery
-
Clear
-
Blood streaked
-
Slimy
Narendra assures us that sometimes there may not be any visible or identifiable signs of the mucus plug. This doesn’t mean that labour won’t start.
What should you do when you lose it?
Don't panic! Just because you've lost the mucus plug doesn't mean your baby's arrival is imminent.
"If the mucus is just as described above and you have no other symptoms, then simply protect your pants and don't worry," reassures Rachel. You can view this sign as an exciting step closer to meeting your baby, and a reminder to listen to your body as you prepare for labour.
There are a few situations where it is appropriate to seek advice from your healthcare provider. Excessive bleeding needs further investigation, so make sure you contact your local maternity unit if this happens. Narendra also explains, “If you notice a foul smell or green colour discharge when you pass your mucus plug, contact your midwifery team as this may potentially be a sign of infection and needs assessment”.
As long as everything looks normal, it is best to just carry on as normal. Rachel warns expectant mums to be wary with who you share this information with. "Telling family and friends that you have lost your mucus plug simply puts every one needlessly on high alert, when it might still be some weeks before baby makes an appearance and you can do without the frequent calls and other people’s anxiety."
However, she adds, "There are certain things you can do to prepare yourself for the baby's arrival. It is sensible to start getting extra rest and some early nights so that, as soon as labour does start you are not exhausted.
"If you are dripping blood or the blood loss is not mixed in with mucus, if you are worried that your baby is behaving differently from usual, you are unwell, or have other new symptoms that you don't understand, call your midwife or the hospital where you plan to birth your baby.
"A midwife will be able to check you and your baby and offer advice and reassurance."
There are no specific ways to speed up your labour once you've had a show. However, there are several natural ways which might help to bring on labour, such as using a birthing ball.
What should you do if you lose it earlier in pregnancy?
It is possible to lose mucus from the cervix following an examination or sex. However, if it's earlier in pregnancy, before 37 weeks, you should let your midwife know.
"If you have no other symptoms to indicate labour is about to start, then your midwife will be able to advise and reassure you that all is well," Rachel says. "Only a trained professional can judge whether or not this early loss of mucus is okay or not, so do not rely on well-meaning friends, family or a Facebook group!"
So now you know what to look out for, or perhaps you have already lost some of your mucus plug. The appearance of a mucus plug acts as an exciting step at the end of your pregnancy. Now might be the time to think about ways to prepare for labour.
About the experts
Rachel FitzD has worked as a midwife for more than 30 years. She is now an author who presents regularly as a baby and parenting expert for The Baby Show. Rachel released her first book Your Baby Skin to Skin: Learn to Trust yourBaby's Instincts in the first year in 2017.
Mr Narendra Pisal is a consultant gynaecologist at London Gynacology.
Geraldine Bauer is a psychology graduate and registered nurse specialising in oncology and palliative care. She is a mum of two children (aged 5 and 2) and spends most of her time balancing her passions and enjoying time with her family.