
What is this Mess?
If you’re reading this, you probably just went to the bathroom, wiped and noticed sticky, gooey stuff coming out of your vagina. Congratulations, you’re losing your
You’re anxious, achy, and tired. The last thing you need right now is to be overwhelmed with thinking something is wrong. Take a deep breath. What you’re experiencing is just another way your body is getting ready for labor.
I saw my
Due to my profession and preparation, I knew that my mucous plug appearing didn’t necessarily require me to go to the hospital right away. Although I have to admit, it was still unsettling to see this wad of gelatinous gob make its appearance.
Undoubtedly, many women have no idea that a mucous plug exists. Not knowing what to expect can cause unnecessary stress in pregnant women. So, I’m going to make sure that you understand at least the basics of losing your mucous plug. Let’s explore some aspects of a mucous plug, its function, and what losing it means for you.
Here is what we’ll cover
- What is a mucous plug?
- What does a mucous plug look like?
- Does losing my mucous plug mean I am in labor?
- Will I lose my mucous plug all at once?
- Mucous plug vs bloody show
- Should you reach into your vagina and pull out your mucous plug?

What is a Mucous Plug?
During pregnancy, your cervix acts as a gatekeeper. It stands guard to prevent infections from entering the uterus and getting to the developing baby. The mucous plug offers an additional barrier to the cervix. It prevents anything from making its way into the cervix.
What does a Mucous Plug Look Like?
When you lose your mucous plug, you’ll notice a sticky, jelly-like glob of mucous. It can be clear, cloudy, yellowish, or even blood-tinged. Some women don’t spotting their mucous plug because they think it’s just normal pregnancy vaginal discharge.
Losing Your Mucous Plug Does Not Necessarily Mean You’re in Labor.
Many women think their baby is coming the day they see their mucous plug. While it might be true for a select few, for most of us, there is no need to break out the champagne just yet. That gooey mess escaping your vagina doesn’t mean that labor has begun.
It means that your cervix has started softening and dilating.
I mean yes, you can lose your
On the other hand, if you’re less than 37 weeks pregnant and lose your mucous plug or experience bloody discharge, please contact your provider as soon as you can.
Will I Lose my Mucous Plug All at Once?
Every woman is different. Similarly, every pregnancy is different too. Some women lose their
Alternatively, some women lose their
Mucous Plug vs Bloody Show.
Lots of women confuse their
You may or may not already be experiencing contractions when you see it. It means your cervix is dilating and effacing like crazy. It may still take a few hours to a couple of days, but labor is imminent. In some women’s cases, they can lose their bloody show during early labor.
Should You Reach into Your Vagina and Pull Out Your Mucous Plug?
No, please don’t—you could introduce infections to yourself and the baby.
Conclusion on losing your mucous plug
Remember, everyone’s labor is different, and no one knows for sure when your labor is going to start. If you have any questions about whether you’re in labor or not, please be sure to contact your provider.
If you’re interested in having a natural childbirth and you’re not sure where to start or what to expect, enroll in my childbirth education course. This course will provide you with tips, techniques, and knowledge you need to prepare yourself and partner for a natural birth. Join my course waitlist below.
Hey Mama, If you liked my post, please share it!
Having anxiety about your upcoming birth? Check out the post below.
Such a great article. Thanks for sharing all the great tips.
Thank you Khadijah!