The words "mucus plug" may sound a little strange if you've never been pregnant before, but it's a natural and necessary stopgap your body makes before you give birth. When you are pregnant, your system generates a mass of mucus to block the cervix (or mouth of the uterus). This protects the uterine environment from infection and repels bacteria from the outside, says Kristin Mallon, a board-certified nurse midwife and chief strategy officer at Integrative Obstetrics in Jersey City, New Jersey. Show
This plug should stay in place throughout your pregnancy—but near the end of it, it will become more vulnerable. Small uterine contractions can start to open up the cervix, says Adeeti Gupta, M.D., an OB-GYN and the founder of Walk In GYN Care. The cervix also softens due to hormonal changes, leading it to open up further and release the mucus plug. This allows your baby to pass through more easily. Some people will notice the loss of their mucus plug the moment it happens (it looks like a gelatinous blob of snot). It can be yellowish-white and tinged with red or brown streaks. You might see it while wiping yourself, find it in your underwear—or not notice at all. If you do see it, labor is on its way. So how soon after losing your mucus plug does labor usually start? Here's what the experts say. Does Losing the Mucus Plug Mean I'm Going Into Labor?Yes, but not right that second. "The loss of the mucus plug, especially when there's a little bit of blood, is usually a good indicator that labor is coming within one to three days," explains Mallon. "But sometimes labor will come weeks after losing the mucus plug, so this guideline isn't 100% accurate." In other words, losing your mucus plug signals that labor is approaching, but it may take a while. Your baby is still protected after the mucus plug falls out (unless your water has broken and you're in active labor). "Your cervix continues to produce mucus to replenish what is lost, and the amniotic fluid has many immunological agents that continue to protect baby against infection," says Clara Ward, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Houston. What Should I Do After Losing My Mucus Plug?If you notice it, you may be tempted to grab your hospital bag and run out the door. Don't. Just give your health care provider a call or (if it's 3 A.M.) report it to them the next day—even at your next appointment, says Mallon. For now, it's better to monitor your baby's movements. "If contractions start, time them," says Dr. Gupta. "When they become regular—lasting at least 30 seconds and coming every three to five minutes—then you can go to the hospital." You should also head to the hospital if your amniotic sac ruptures (commonly known as your water breaking). There is an exception to these rules. Anyone who's pregnant should visit their doctor ASAP if they lose their mucus plug before their 37th week. This isn't necessarily cause for concern, especially if it isn't your first pregnancy, but you should still have your provider rule out complications like preterm labor. Keep Watch for Other Signs of LaborAfter you lose your mucus plug, be on the lookout for additional indications that you are in labor. "Other signs include 'lightening,' or the sensation that the baby has 'dropped,'" says Dr. Ward. "While this may result in more pressure in the pelvic region, breathing may be easier." Some people feel more cramping or back pain as their labor contractions start. You may feel less active and more fatigued, or experience a feeling of loose joints. Your health care provider can determine whether your cervix has started to dilate, and there may actually be telling lines on your buttocks. Stay calm. "If you are full-term—more than 37 weeks—there is probably no need to call your doctor unless you are bleeding heavily, contracting regularly, the mucus is particularly foul-smelling, or you are concerned that you may have broken your water," says Dr. Ward. Still worried? Call anyway to be safe. There are several signs that labour might be starting, including: The early (latent) stage of labour can take some time. Urgent advice: Call your midwife or maternity unit if:
These signs mean you need to see a midwife or doctor. Latent phase of labourThe start of labour is called the latent phase. This is when your cervix becomes soft and thin, and starts opening for your baby to be born. This can take hours or sometimes days. You'll probably be advised to stay at home during this time. If you go to the hospital or maternity unit, they may suggest you go back home. Find out more about the stages of labour and what you can do at home during the latent phase. Call your midwife if you're unsure or worried about anything. What do contractions feel likeWhen you have a contraction, your womb tightens and then relaxes. For some people, contractions may feel like extreme period pains. You may have had contractions during your pregnancy, particularly towards the end. These tightenings are called Braxton Hicks contractions and are usually painless. Your contractions tend to become longer, stronger and more frequent as your labour progresses. During a contraction, the muscles tighten and the pain increases. If you put your hand on your abdomen, you'll feel it getting harder; when the muscles relax, the pain fades and you will feel the hardness ease. The contractions are pushing your baby down and opening the entrance to your womb (the cervix), ready for your baby to go through. Your midwife will probably advise you to stay at home until your contractions become frequent. Call your midwife or maternity unit for guidance when your contractions are in a regular pattern and:
Read more information on when to go to hospital Backache often comes on in labourYou may get backache or a heavy, aching feeling. A "show" can signal the start of labourDuring pregnancy, there's a plug of mucus in your cervix. This mucus comes away just before labour starts, or when in early labour, and it may pass out of your vagina. This sticky, jelly-like pink mucus is called a show. It may come away in 1 blob or in several pieces. It's pink because it contains a small amount of blood. If you're losing more blood, it may be a sign something is wrong, so phone your hospital or midwife straight away. A show indicates that the cervix is starting to open. Labour may quickly follow or may take a few days. Sometimes there is no show. What happens when my waters breakIt's likely your waters will break during labour, but it can also happen before labour starts. Your baby develops and grows inside a bag of fluid called the amniotic sac. When it's time for your baby to be born, the sac usually breaks and the amniotic fluid drains out through your vagina. This is your waters breaking. Sometimes when you're in labour, a midwife or doctor may offer to break your waters. If your waters break naturally, you may feel a slow trickle or a sudden gush of water you cannot control. To prepare for this, you could keep a sanitary towel (but not a tampon) handy if you're going out, and put a protective sheet on your bed. Amniotic fluid is clear and pale. Sometimes it's difficult to tell amniotic fluid from urine. When your waters break, the water may be a little bloodstained to begin with. Tell your midwife immediately if:
This could mean you and your baby need urgent attention. If your waters break before labour starts, call your midwife. Use a sanitary pad (not a tampon) so your midwife can check the colour of the waters. If labour does not start after your waters breakIt's usual to go into labour within 24 hours of the waters breaking. You'll be offered an induction if you do not because, without amniotic fluid, there's an increased risk of infection for your baby. Until your induction, or if you choose to wait for labour to start naturally, tell your midwife immediately if:
You should take your temperature every 4 hours when you're awake, and tell your midwife if it's raised. A raised temperature is usually above 37.5C, but you may need to call before this – check with your midwife. There's no evidence that having a bath or shower after your waters have broken increases your risk of infection, but having sex might. How to cope when labour beginsAt the beginning of labour, you can:
Find out what happens during labour and birth, and what you can do for pain relief in the early stages of labour. Get Start4Life pregnancy and baby emailsFor information and advice you can trust, sign up for weekly Start4Life pregnancy and baby emails. Video: How will I know I am in labour?In this video, a midwife describes the signs that mean labour may be starting. Media last reviewed: 1 November 2019 How far can you dilate without losing your mucus plug?The cervix generally needs to be dilated to 10 centimeters before it's ready for the baby to pass through. Your cervix can be dilated to a couple of centimeters for a few weeks before delivery. This softening can cause the mucus plug to be dislodged and come out.
Do you always lose your mucus plug before labor starts?Your mucus plug always discharges before you deliver. However, while some women notice the plug passing, others miss it entirely. Know that whatever happens, it doesn't predict anything about how your experience with giving birth will eventually unfold.
Does your cervix have to be dilated to lose your mucus plug?Labor?!
Generally, it can mean that your cervix is beginning to dilate, causing the mucus plug to dislodge. But, this doesn't necessarily mean you are actually in labor. Once you begin to see signs that you are losing your mucus plug, it can be anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks before labor starts.
Can you go into labor without having a show?A show indicates that the cervix is starting to open. Labour may quickly follow or may take a few days. Sometimes there is no show.
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Can you go into labor without losing mucus plug
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