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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 mucous plug. I know what you’re thinking: “Mucous what? What is this mess? Do I need to call the doctor? Or should I go to the ER?”

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 mucous plug when I was pregnant with my first child, and I was so excited. I was also relieved that I wasn’t going to be pregnant for much longer. 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?

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?

It’s a sticky, jelly-like glob of mucous. It can be clear, cloudy, yellowish, or even blood-tinged.

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 mucous plug during early labor. But you can lose your plug days or weeks before labor even begins. So settle down. Work on getting your hospital bags packed and nursery ready.
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 mucous plug all at once, while others lose it over a few days. Alternatively, some women lose their mucous plug without even noticing that it’s occurring. If you don’t look at your tissue after you wipe, you might miss your mucous plug entirely. Without a doubt, there are those that lose it before labor starts and don’t realize it’s gone.

Mucous Plug vs Bloody Show.

Lots of women confuse their mucous plug for their bloody show. First and foremost, your mucous plug is not the same thing as your bloody show. Your bloody show will be mucous with a bit more blood. 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

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.

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Having anxiety about your upcoming birth? Check out the post below.

• 7 ways to Overcome Childbirth Anxiety

Remember labor usually doesn’t start right away after losing your mucous plug.