Have you heard about the mucus plug and how it can be a sign of approaching labor when it breaks loose? Let's find out what a mucus plug is, how to tell the difference between a mucus plug and a discharge, and how close you are to giving birth when it breaks loose!

What is the mucus plug?

The mucus plug is formed as early as the fourth week of pregnancy and sits like a plug in the cervical canal between the vagina and the uterus, as an extra layer of protection to protect the fetus from bacteria and infections. It protects the fetus until the end of pregnancy and comes off at the time of delivery, or a few weeks before when the cervix starts to soften, shorten or open.

What does the mucus plug look like?

The mucus plug may look like a slightly pink or slightly brown, jelly-like substance and is often likened to vaginal discharge. It can be thick, sticky and sometimes a little bloody. Sometimes it comes out as one big lump but it can also come out in batches. 

Some people don't notice the mucus plug coming out because it is often so similar to a discharge. Others notice that it has come out when they wipe themselves with toilet paper. 

Mucus plug or liquefaction?

It can be difficult to distinguish a mucus plug from a lump. Look for thick lumps that are sticky and sometimes a little bloody. It may be a small amount of pink or brown jelly-like substance that comes out as a large lump or in smaller pieces.

It is normal to see a small amount of blood in the mucus, but you should still always contact your midwife or chosen maternity ward if you notice that it contains fresh blood, which is more than just a trickle. 

How far is it to the birth when the mucus plug breaks?

It is not possible to say a specific time from when the mucus plug comes out until labor starts. However, you can be sure that labor has started if the mucus plug comes out while you are experiencing regular painful contractions. However, it may come out several days or weeks before labor starts.

It can be exciting when the mucus plug comes out. However, you do not need to contact your health care provider or do anything else because it has come loose. If you think that labor is approaching, you can look out for other signs that labor is underway! Now you just have to wait for the first meeting with your baby.