How to Recognize a Mucous Plug

The mucous plug is formed by the secretions of the cervix that build up and seal the cervical canal in pregnant women. It is a protective barrier that prevents harmful bacteria from entering the cervix and causing infection. As the cervix thins, dilates and opens, the plug loosens and eventually falls out. This can occur gradually over the weeks or days leading up to labor or all at once during the onset of labor.

Instructions

• 1

  Stay calm. Losing the mucous plug when you are in the third trimester of your pregnancy is usually no call for alarm. Worrying about the health of your baby or yourself is not necessary, and you can carry on with your life as you normally would until you experience other signs of labor such as regular contractions or your water breaking.

• 2

  Notice any differences between the vaginal discharge typically experienced while pregnant and the secretions you see now. Normal discharge is thinner than the mucous, and the color is usually a creamy white shade.

• 3

  Study the characteristics of the discharge. Look at the consistency, color and amount of secretion released. Check and see if the mucous has any fresh or old blood in or around it. The color of the blood can vary in shades of pink, red or brown. This is known as "bloody show." See if the mucous appears creamy white to yellowish brown in color. Look for a small, thick and stringy ball of jelly-like mucous similar to that of a sinus infection.

• 4

  Follow your doctor's recommendations for the delivery of your baby as previously planned. Losing the mucous plug after 37 weeks does not mean you are at risk of infection. Continue with your regular exercise and activities unless your doctor advised you otherwise.