Mucous plug: what it is, how does its loss occur and how much is missing from childbirth
The mucous plug is nothing more than a layer of mucus that forms inside the cervix during pregnancy and, in particular, at the beginning of the same. The mucous plug serves to protect the fetus, becoming a sort of barrier which keeps the child away from the outside environment. The expulsion or loss of the mucous plug indicates the approach of delivery and, therefore, contractions.
At the end of pregnancy, in fact, the neck of the uterus begins to dilate in order to let the baby out. At that point, in the last weeks of pregnancy (35, 38 or 39 weeks), the plug will melt until it comes out. completely through gelatinous losses. Attention, however: the loss of the mucous plug does not necessarily mean that the contractions will come soon! It is not even said that the expulsion occurs all together, but it could occur in several episodes even days apart and perhaps go unnoticed.
So let's try to discover together everything there is to know about the mucous plug, so as not to arrive unprepared for its loss and, consequently, at the time of labor. Meanwhile, here is a video about it that every expectant mother should see :
What is the mucous plug and how is it made?
The mucous plug, as we have anticipated, is a sort of barrier that protects the future baby, but also the uterus of the future mother. In fact, it serves to close the final part of the cervix so that the fetus does not come into contact with infected agents or substances from the outside. Its loss means that the baby will soon be born ...
This mucous plug does not always have the same shape, color, density and consistency, but varies from woman to woman, especially according to the different conformation of the uterus and cervix. It also depends on the hormonal concentration and, in particular, on the progesterone, a hormone that makes mucus significantly thicker, contributing to the formation of our plug.
In general, however, we can say that the mucous plug has a gelatinous appearance, white in color, even if it can present itself with red or brown shades due to the more or less coagulated blood inside it.
Why does mucous plug leakage occur in pregnancy? How long is it to give birth?
When does the formation of the mucous plug occur? The glands of the cervix begin to form mucus soon after conception, inside the cervix. The plug, therefore, will form very soon to protect the amniotic sac.
When the neck of the uterus begins to dilate to prepare for the moment of labor, the plug will be expelled. However, labor can begin even after days! The moment of loss of the cork and labor, in fact, do not always coincide, and this is because the cork can be expelled in different ways according to its size and density.
So don't worry if you don't feel the contractions start right away! The time of delivery is still close, but it can also take place a week or two later.
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How to recognize the expulsion of the mucous plug and the approach of labor
Always in general, it is possible to recognize the loss of the mucous plug through the leakage of gelatinous discharge denser than the usual vaginal discharge, in which it is normal for streaks of blood, bright red or brownish to appear (depending on whether the blood is congealed Why does blood appear? Simple: when the uterus dilates, the capillaries break, with the consequent blood loss that ends up mixing with the mucus.
If you are wondering if the expulsion of the mucous plug hurts, the answer is no! You will feel absolutely nothing, and this is precisely the reason why some women do not even notice its loss.
It may happen not to notice it also because it does not happen all together, in a single easily visible episode, but in different moments, with gelatinous losses that follow one another even for weeks at irregular intervals. In these cases the presence of blood can make them more evident.
Consequently, it is also difficult to establish how much is actually missing at the time of childbirth and contractions.
Loss of mucous plug: signs to watch out for
The loss of the mucous plug must not cause anxiety in the expectant mother. However, it is good to learn to recognize some signs to pay attention to, so that you can intervene quickly by contacting your gynecologist if necessary.
First of all, make sure that the expulsion of the mucous plug does not occur too soon, because it could be a symptom of a preterm birth. When the loss occurs before 34 or 35 weeks of pregnancy it is good to get checked immediately to be able to ascertain the dilation and a "possible threat of childbirth before term.
Attention also if, together with the mucous plug, there is a loss of very abundant vaginal secretions: in this case, the rupture of the amniotic membranes may have occurred. Rupture of the membranes manifests itself through clear, hot and liquid leaks. If the liquid is green in color, it could indicate problems with the suffering of the fetus.
Another sign to watch out for is too much blood, which is more like your period than anything else. It's always best to make sure it's not a placental abruption. Finally, it is best to seek medical attention if the mucous plug is yellow and smells bad: it could indicate an infection.
For more scientific information on the mucous plug, you can consult the Medical news today website.
