Mucus Plug FAQs for First Time Moms
A mucus plug is very thick, snot-like mucus lodged in the cervix that acts as a physical and antibacterial barrier between baby and the outside world. In this post we discuss everything one needs to know about the plug of mucus. I hope you have a strong stomach, as I've included photos. Scroll down at your own risk. 😉 Let's get started!
On This Page
7 minute read
↓Where Does the Mucus Plug Come From?
↓When Should It Come Out?
↓Why Does It Come Out?
↓Why Does It Regenerate?
↓How Long till Birth?
↓What Color Is It?
↓What Does It Look Like?
↓Mucus Plug vs Bloody Show
↓Mucus Plug and Group B Strep
↓Warning Signs
↓More Mucus Plug Photos
Where Does the Mucus Plug Come From?
The mucus plug does not come from the vagina, or inside the uterus, but from the cervix. For the majority of pregnancy, it stays in one place - the cervix - until just before and/or during birth. (The cervix is the opening to the uterus, which is the amazing muscle baby grows inside during pregnancy.)
The coolest thing is that not only acts as a physical barrier, protecting the unborn baby from the outside elements, but it also has antibacterial properties that actually kill harmful bacteria in the vagina (source, source) further protecting baby. How cool is that?
When Should It Come Out?
Whether you see it happen or not, the plug comes out at some point before a baby is born.
- Some women experience the loss of the mucus plug as a symptom of preterm labor (before 37 weeks).
- Some women lose theirs a week or two before labor begins.
- And some come out days/hours before labor or even as labor unfolds.
The most common place a woman will see her plug is when she uses the bathroom. If you're close to your due date, don't be surprised to find a glob of thick mucus on the toilet paper after you wipe! It can also drop in the toilet bowl while you're going to the bathroom, so if you're curious don't forget to look there too.
Many women, however, don't notice anything! This may be because she didn't look for it, or a more likely scenario is because the plug thinned out and became watery discharge. This discharge, called leukorrhea, is more like normal pregnancy vaginal fluid and less like a plug.
Why Does It Come Out?
Towards the end of pregnancy and/or during labor, the cervix thins (effacement) and opens (dilates) which dislodges the plug.
As labor progresses more and more of it may come out. During labor it is most often seen while using the toilet or after a vaginal exam.
Why Does It Regenerate?
As odd as it may sound, the mucus plug can regenerate and replace what was previously lost. For example, a woman may lose it, grow a new one, and give birth a few weeks later.
In my opinion, if a mucus plug is lost closer to 37 weeks and labor does not begin for another few weeks, odds are it has regenerated. Hooray for more mucus! Also, in my opinion, the reason it regenerated is because it just wasn't time for baby to be born and baby still needed those extra layers of protection.
If you are experiencing mucus over a period of days closer to 40 weeks, you're likely not regenerating more, it's just taking days for it to come out. Isn't this fun?!
How Long till Birth?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but losing the mucus plug does not mean that labor will start right now. Ladies, if you lose it don't get your hopes up that labor will begin TODAY. Losing the plug in and of itself does not mean that labor is immenent.
All the loss of a mucus plug can tell someone is that they're going to have a baby "soon". However, you likely already knows this as most women in this situation are closer to 40 weeks gestation. Losing it along with other signs of labor is a better indication that it's baby time.
For example, if you go to the bathroom, wipe and see mucus plug AND begin to have contractions 5-7 minutes apart there's a good chance that labor is imminent.
FYI: Towards the end of pregnancy, vaginal exams, stripping the membranes and sexual intercourse can dislodge the plug. After any of these activities women may experience more mucousy discharge than normal, sometimes tinged with blood and sometimes without.
What Color Is It?
The mucus plug comes in a variety of colors: clear, opaque, red blood tinged, brown blood tinged and mixture of all of the above. Scroll down to see photos!
Note: If there is more blood than mucus, a blood vessel in the cervix likely broke. This is different than the bleeding from the menstrual cycle. However, err on the side of caution and contact your care provider. Any bleeding in pregnancy, labor and delivery should always be discussed with a care provider.
What Does It Look Like?
Many people describe a plug of mucus like snot on a tissue from blowing the nose. To me, however, it looks more like the snot that comes from blowing the nose when one has an upper respiratory infection (minus the green color indicative of sinus infections). Just sayin'.
Below is a photo of a plug that is clear. Notice how thick in consistency the mucus is. If you are experiencing a much thinner consistency of mucus, like white discharge, there is a possibility it could be normal vaginal discharge or even semen, instead of a plug.
Here are a couple more mucus plugs that are more opaque than clear.
Below is another photo of chunk or part of a plug of mucus. Many women loose pieces or chunks of their plugs over a few days.
Use this link to learn more about what a mucus plug looks like.
Mucus Plug vs Bloody Show
I often hear the terms bloody show and mucus plugs used interchangeably. But are they actually the same thing? Here's the deal: Bloody show always contains mucus plug but mucus plug isn't always bloody show.
Here's why: As the cervix dilates and effaces before and during labor, tiny blood vessels break causing blood to mix with the mucousy discharge. If no blood vessels break as the cervix opens (highly unlikely), a woman won't experience bloody show.
Below are photos of bloody show. Notice how the color of the show varies from light pink to brownish red. The lighter the tinge of blood the more recently the blood vessel has broken. Darker tinged bloody show indicates older blood.
Mucus Plug and Group B Strep
Losing the mucus plug with a positive result for group b strep does not alter the protocol for a woman in labor. Follow your care provider's instructions for treatment of GBS+ during labor as indicated.
Warning Signs
If you experience any of the following, contact your care provider to gather more information and discuss your options.
- Scheduled cesarean + loss of plug
- Loss of plug before 37 weeks
- Foul smelling plug of mucus, which may actually be something else like an infection or bacterial vaginosis
- Loss of the plug accompanied by vaginal bleeding
More Mucus Plug Photos
Use this link to see more photos and learn more about what a mucus plug looks like.
I lost my mucus plug after a cervical check at my 37-week appointment. Since labor didn't start until I was 39 +2, I'm guessing I regenerated another mucus plug.
I’m losing it slowly. When I wipe I see it. It looks like clear jelly. My doctor saw some yesterday to. When she examined me. I am 2 cm dialed and 70% thinned out. I am now 37 weeks. Baby is measuring bigger though.
Same but I’m 40 weeks today
How long after did you go into labor?
Oh lord. And frightened when bloody mucus comes out of my nose. Ok, thanks for the sight and pictures, it was very informative.
Well my only experience 9yrs ago, was with the bloody mucus plug at 38 weeks it was A LOT!!.For me was an imminent labor. It came out at 7am with no pain, went back to sleep til' 11am. Wake up with the urge to pee, and it was a little blood in a pad, call the Dr. Took a shower, i dilated 3cm. With contractions every 1 1/2hr and 2hrs. At 3pm went to the hospital with 4.5 cm....and my big boy now was born at 10:45pm. A fast natural labor, 1st time mom.❤
That helps me a lot thank you. I am 40 weeks and 2days and seen clear mucus plug after some period like contraction tonight. Waiting for the real construction, fingers crossed.
Did you go into labor on your own?
I just lost my my mucus plug and no signs of contractions yet.. I'm 40 weeks and 1 day.
I just lost my mucus plug and i am 40 +2, what does that mean, go to hospital now?
I know this reply is too late for you, but maybe someone else will need an answer.
No, don't go to the hospital yet. It could mean the start of labor or not. take several heavy pads with you and have your phone ready in case your water breaks. Tell your birth partner or labor support people. Install your car seat and pack your bag if you haven't done so already. I would wait to go to the hospital until regular contractions are 5 minutes apart or closer and one minute long, especially for a first baby. I know it's very exciting, but try to relax, rest, eat and stay hydrated.
I'm 36 weeks and two days this is my sixth pregnancy I've always lost my plug 9ver a week or two but this time around it was clear little jelly like pieces but now it's huuuuge green globs like three a day for three days now but no bloody show at all and only two little contractions I'm also 36 years old with five other children. No other contractions. I'm confused still lol
What does your care provider say about it being green?
5-1-1 rule. Even if you see a mucous plug, it's best to wait until your contractions last 5 minutes with 1 minute in between and this continues for an hour. Also you time contractions from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next. Even if you're meeting the 5-1-1 rule, pray attention to how the contractions feel too. If you can walk and tall through them, they're more than likely Braxton hicks. Otherwise, go to the doctor immediately. Just some advice I learned from birthing class I'm taking.
I was thankfully able to talk and walk through all of my contraction with all 3 of mine I’ll what what number 4 brings now granted when walking I did have to slow down a lot and when talking at time I would take breaks and then continue what I was saying
5-1-1 is five minutes in between, lasting a minute each for an hour. If someone has contractions a minute apart they may not make it to the hospital, like my case.
5 minutes apart last for 1 minute and is stay like that for an hour, not 5 minutes and 1 minutes apart.
They’ll end up having the baby right there if they waited for that lol
You shouldn’t wait to go in if you’re under 38 weeks . I was 32 weeks when my mucus plug came out and 1cm dilated when I went in. Even If you feel like something is wrong go in. They had to stop my labor from progressing and give me a shot so my babies lungs were developed enough . I’m 34 weeks and the plug is still coming out and I’m in a lot of pain. I’m going in on Monday again to check.
What did your doctor say about the pain you were in ad the fact you had mucus leakge? I'm 33wks and 9 days pregnant and I've been having pains in my hips and pelvic area. I have a 3yr old son that came two months early and my mucus plug had leaked for quite a while before my water broke, but it brokee when I was still at home; when I got to the hospital I was 1cm dilated. My fiance doesn't believe me when I try to say that I need to go to the hospital, even though this is his first but my second.
I’m 38 weeks and 6 day. In the first time I just loss my mucus plug, and every other day I take a bathtub then more loss mucus plug. But I haven’t pain.
Have you had the baby yet? My daughter is 38 weeks, 5 days and lost her mucus plug today. She’s not having any contractions.
38 weeks 5 days here...just lost mine so we will see
I am 36 weeks plus 5 days even though I'm closer to 37 weeks do i still need to let someone know I lost my plug last night? I measure 2 weeks ahead.
Exactly in the same situation as you were... I’m 36 weeks and 3 days, but baby measuring 2 weeks ahead and lost mucus plug last night. What was your experience? When did you deliver? Did you contact your physician. I have my next appt tomorrow... do you think it’s ok to wait or should I call her today?
What ended up happening? I'm in the exact same situation right now!
Im 36-5 and lost my mucus plug. Been having contractions since saturday. But at my appointment yesterday I was only a cm dilated. I am scheduled C-Section. Any suggestions ?
I am 38 weeks and all of a sudden was having contractions that were way more painful than usual. I have been having Braxton Hicks since the end of my second trimester will into my third trimester. So I could tell the difference these were much stronger. I had been to my check up and I was 1.5 dilated and my cervix is soft. So after a couple zinger contractions I had to go pee really bad and when I wiped there it was. This was sat night and I am scheduled to go in for an induction Monday. I have had more contractions but not regular so we will see if we go in early or wait till Monday.
Hi, it’s a late reply but this exact thing Ian happening to me, what happened after you lost you’re plug?
Can you have mucus plugs without being pregnant?
I was thirteen when two little pillows of white came out and the dr called them mucus plugs. My Gp Sent meto a Gyn Who told my mother I had an infantile uterus and would never have children.
I'm so sorry! That's awful. If doc said that's what it was most likely, it was. But, on the bright side. I was told i couldn't have children at 16, I'm 25 and I have a 6 year old daughter, and I am pregnant with my second, a boy 21 weeks today! Horray! Only God knows who can and cannot bear children. Keep your head and hopes high. Sometimes doctors are wrong.
I had my membranes stripped at my 38w 1d appointment on Thursday feb 8th. Had a little bit of mucus plug loss yesterday morning with blood on Sunday feb 11th then just lost some more this morning, Monday’s feb 12th. Today I am 38w 5d. Really hoping labor is as soon as today. Fingers crossed.
what ended up happening? I had mine stripped yesterday being 38 weeks bc I was dilated to a 3
My mucus plug is coming out my nose left nostril . I remember taking my medication for depression and that very first pill on top did something inside my belly and it felt like it turned my whole insides into the opposite direction this was weird but is there any way you can explain what might be going on with me . I been having sex with my husband who is now passed but for years I never got pregnant and I remember his mom telling me “ no more babies” which was wrong who is she to tell me that . She probably had this done to me. I never used contraception yet my husband had a affair n got that woman preganant. Not to mention after my third child I got pregnant but I lost it . I took a pregnancy test which came out positive . I think they gave me plan b at that time I was sniffing stuff for all u know I sniffed planned b lost the baby I must have been about five weeks. I had painful miscarriage nurse said for me to just lay down n rest when I went to the restroom it came out it was a pretty good size fetus in the toilet . I went to hospital a day or two later n they did pelvic ultrasound claiming I wasn’t pregnant well of course I wasn’t i had already had the miscarriage. He didn’t want kid . He left me that night in pain at home while he went out with his friend. Anyway the whole flipping of my insides didn’t happen until I gave birth to baby number 5 it would have been 6 . But yeah can anyone explain what may be happening . This is uncalled for .
Lol my story sound weird and somewhat strange but it’s the honest truth. Please if u know anything or if ur a doctor can I give me a little bit of info that u think might be going on
Don’t “sniff” things while you’re pregnant for starts.
i was thinking the same thing as taleeasha. lol
Had pink discharge at 35 + 4 and proceeded to have a mixture of pink/clear/brown discharge the next day. Third day I woke up and had a glob with blood tinges and another clot later that day. Called doctor she said keep an eye out for contractions or a gush of fluid. Yesterday was mild with brown ish discharge most of the day then more blood tinges when whiping today and saw another clot in the toilet earlier. Hope little man stays cooking a little longer. Have my appointment on Tuesday to check my cervix, fingers crossed we don’t have too much longer though!
I think I’m having the same problem. I’m 35 +1. I just woke up with contractions, irregular ones. (Braxton Hicks) I guess ! Then I went to go pee. Pee I didn’t feel anything come out but when I wiped I was spotting, whipped again and was still spotting. So I stood up and it seemed to be a clot of blood or something in the toliet but it wasn’t like the clots you get from your period more blood and clear
I lost mine at 35 weeks, and like you said, you should call your doctor if you lose it before 37 weeks. My doctor said it's not a big deal, and to just leave it alone unless your water breaks or contractions start.