Effacement and dilation are two major signs that labor is impending. Dilation is a measurement of how open your cervix is. Typically, a cervix that is 10 centimeters dilated means you are ready to give birth. If you think you may be experiencing contractions, time how far apart they are and if they are at a consistent time apart. These two symptoms usually indicate that labor is imminent. Many women experience vaginal discharge throughout pregnancy, so it can be difficult to determine when the mucus plug has been released from the cervix.
However, a mucus plug can appear stringy or thick and jelly-like, unlike typical vaginal discharge. The mucus plug may also be clear, pink, or slightly bloody. There are several reasons why you may lose your mucus plug during pregnancy. In most cases, the mucus plug is discharged because the cervix is softening. Cervical softening, or ripening, means that the cervix is starting to become thinner and wider in preparation for delivery. Some pregnant women may also lose their mucus plug after a cervical exam, which can cause the mucus plug to dislodge, or during sexual intercourse, which can cause the mucus plug to loosen and break free.
Ultimately, your cervix will soften and dilate so your baby can pass through the cervical canal during delivery. Your next steps depend on what your mucus plug looks like, and on how far along you are in your pregnancy. These descriptors can help your doctor direct you on what to do next. Call your doctor to let them know that you think you may have lost your mucus plug.
If you do not have any additional concerning symptoms, you can call your doctor, or report the event at your next appointment. Your doctor or healthcare provider wants you and your baby to stay healthy and safe. Your doctor may instruct you to keep watching for signs of labor, such as contractions that become more regular and closer together. Read time 2 minutes. Breadcrumb Home Pregnancy Worries and discomforts Common discomforts Mucus plug — what is it and what does it look like?
Email Post Tweet Post. What does the mucus plug look like? Further information Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: Information you can trust from NCT When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust.
Share on email Email. Similar Post. Labor and Birth. Preparing for Labor Checklist Are you prepared for labor? Being informed about general anesthesia will help prevent mothers from being caught by surprise…. Subscribe to our week-by-week Pregnancy Newsletter. What week is your pregnancy in? Facebook-f Twitter Instagram. Pregnancy Tools. If you've lost your mucus plug, labor could be on its way. Find out what a mucus plug looks like so you know what to expect.
As the name implies, a mucus plug is basically a big blob of mucus blocking the top of your cervix to protect your baby from germs.
As you near the end of pregnancy and your body starts getting ready to push everything out during labor, your mucus plug is the first thing to go.
So what does your mucus plug look like, and how do you know if you've lost it? Also, how can you tell the difference between your mucus plug, pregnancy discharge, and a bloody show?
Here's what you need to know. For some women, the mucus plug comes out all at once. For other women, it comes out gradually, and you may not even know it's happened; or you may only see it when wiping after going to the bathroom.
0コメント