It isn’t easy to know. The mucus plug droops from your Cervix and is called a show or bloody show, which is a sure indication that the process is moving in the proper direction. It indicates that the cervical Cervix (the part of your womb that opens) is shrinking and expanding or beginning to dilate in preparation to give birth. However, it’s not necessarily an indication that labor will start soon, specifically for your first infant.
How come pregnant women lose the mucus plug?
When your body is preparing to labor, your Cervix begins to relax in appearance and become thin and wide. The mucus plug begins to fall out of your pelvic region. The mucus is then pushed to the vagina. The result is that you lose the mucus plug.
How do you know when to loose the mucus plug?
Most people do not shed their mucus plug before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Some cases of losing the mucus plug can occur just a few days or weeks before your baby’s due date. Many women don’t notice the plug until they’re pregnant. If you experience loss of the mucus plug earlier than 37 weeks gestation, consult your Doctor for a safety measure.
What does mucus plug discharge look like?
The shape, appearance, and feel will differ. The mucus plug usually:
- Clear, off-white, or bloody (red-brown, pink or red) with a slight pink or red hue.
- The texture is sticky, stringy, and jelly-like in appearance and texture.
- 1 – 2 inches long.
- One to two tablespoons per quantity.
Very odorless.
It is possible to have your mucus plug disappear in one lump or disappear gradually but not notice the loss. A small amount of blood is not uncommon, and severe bleeding can indicate the abruption of your placenta, previa placenta, or other pregnancy complications. Consult your Doctor when you experience heavy bleeding throughout pregnancy.
What exactly is a mucus plug?
Mucus plugs are extremely thick mucus that blocks the Cervix’s opening during pregnancy. It creates a seal that prevents infection and bacteria from entering your uterus and reaching your child. Imagine it as an ointment between your vagina and the placenta, where your baby’s located. The plug will fall off when your Cervix starts to expand (open) and then efface (soften and become thin) to prepare for labor.
Utilize the exercise ball.
A huge inflatable exercise ball, referred to as a birthing balls in this particular instance, can be a great help.
On the ball, sitting on it, rocking back and forth, or moving around in circles could aid in keeping the muscles of the pelvis relaxed and loose to allow for easy delivery.
Relax
It’s easy to get stressed during the last few weeks of pregnancy. However, learning to relax may bring numerous benefits.
Tension and stress could delay labor, creating a problem for the Cervix to dilate. This can prevent the baby from coming down.
Women can greatly benefit from breathing exercises and meditation before or during labor. Dimming lights or even turning them off can aid.
Have a good time!
Laughter can reduce stress and keep anxiety from consuming you. The slightest relief could ease tension and help dilation.
Singing, laughing, or watching funny films or stand-up comedies can help keep spirits high before or during labor.
Do you want to have sex?
Arousal from sexual stimulation can soothe the body.
A hormone known as prostaglandin within semen could trigger dilation.
What should I do after the loss of my Mucus Plug?
If you know the mucus plug has gone out, it’s tempting to take your bag from the hospital and rush out of the room. Be on the alert for additional warning indications of labor. You can also give your healthcare provider a call. If you’re in a hurry, the best thing to do is notify them the next day or even when you next see them, according to Mallon. It’s best to keep an eye on your child’s movements.
“If contractions occur, be sure to record the contractions,” says Dr. Gupta. “When they begin to become consistent, lasting for at least 30 seconds, and recurring in a period of three to five minutes, you should visit an emergency room.” Also, it would be best to go to the hospital should your amniotic sac burst (commonly called your ruptured water).
There’s an exception to these guidelines: Any pregnant or expecting woman should be likely to contact their physician’s office to get recommendations if they lose their mucus plug before their 37th week. If you lose your mucus plug before week 37, it shouldn’t be cause to be concerned, particularly when this isn’t your first pregnancy. However, it would be best if you still asked the advice of your physician regarding possible issues like preterm labor.
Be on the lookout for other signs of Work.
If you have lost the mucus plug, you should be attentive for any additional indicators that suggest you’re pregnant. “Other indicators include “lightening” or the feeling of dropping or dropped,'” says Dr. Ward. “While it could cause an increase in pressure within the pelvic area and breathing could be easier, it is also possible that the baby’s breathing becomes easier.”
Certain people experience more discomfort or cramping in their backs as their labor contractions begin. You may feel less active, weary, and tired or feel the sensation of loose joints. A health practitioner can determine if your Cervix may be beginning to shrink and could be distinct lines in the buttocks of your body.
Be at peace. “If you’re full term–greater than 37 weeks old, there’s probably not a need to contact your doctor unless you’re experiencing frequent bleeding, contractions, or the mucus is especially unpleasant, or you’re afraid that you have broken your water supply,” advises Doctor. Ward. Do you have any concerns? Contact us to ensure your safety.
What’s the bloody thing?
When pregnant, the opening into your uterus (uterus) is secured with an ointment that blocks harmful bacteria from getting to the baby. If the mucus plug is removed from the Cervix, it’s the show or bloody display. The jelly-like plug can be colored with blood or stained with the old brown blood when it is removed.
Since it’s mucus, it may appear as an elongated blob of blood-streaked white, creamy-pink pus! It’s possible to miss it in the event that it is released when you’re on the toilet. But, it is possible to spot it on your pants or if you wash after having a sneeze.
What causes your Mucus Plug to fall out?
The things which can lead to the loss of the mucus plug are:
Softening and opening of the Cervix is softening and opening and expanding to prepare for birth; your mucus plug can fall into your vaginal canal.
Sexual activity: In most cases, it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. is not a danger. Sexual activity during the last weeks of pregnancy could cause the mucus plug to loosen. It is fine when you’re over 37 weeks pregnant. But there’s a danger of cutting off the mucus plug prematurely.
Cervical examination: A healthcare provider could examine your Cervix during an appointment for pregnancy. It could stretch or irritate the cervical. This means that your mucus plug may be loosened.
If you’re under 37 weeks and believe there’s been a loss of your mucus plugs, talk to your Doctor. They may be concerned and may want to check.
What is the difference between the Mucus Plug and the Bloody Show?
They’re alike but different in that they’re not the same. What differentiates a mucus-filled plug from a bloody spectacle is that a mucus plug is a mucus-filled clump that forms inside the cervical canal in pregnancy. At the same time, a bloody show is just a tiny amount of blood mixed with cervical mucus released from the vagina after pregnancy or when labor begins. The bloody display results from the blood vessels inside the Cervix breaking up as they expand.
Both happen as your Cervix shrinks as you prepare for the birth of your child later on in the pregnancy. The discharge of the mucus plug is elastic and appears like jelly. This is a collection of mucus.
Final thoughts
Understandably, you desire to accelerate the labor process after losing the mucus plug; the baby will arrive when it is at their best. Therefore, avoid doing anything that could cause you to experience nausea or discomfort.
The best way to stay active is to maintain your body’s motion regardless of whether you are moving, walking, or even bouncing around on the birth ball. They will aid your baby in finding the best posture that is the best way for a comfortable, swift birth. And having a couple of dates to eat helps as well!