The mucus plug consists of mucins, which are glycoproteins that form at the cervix to protect the fetus from infections and preterm labor.
The mucus plug, which weighs approximately 10 grams, is formed during pregnancy and is shed when labor is near. Without the formation of the mucus plug, pregnancy likely will not continue. The shedding of the mucus plug is often a sign that labor and delivery could occur soon.
Once fertilization occurs, a thick gelatinous mass forms at the opening of the cervix from excretions from the mucosal cells in the cervix. This mass, known as the mucus plug, contains properties that prevent viruses from replicating and stop bacteria from spreading.
The mucus plug can also initiate an immune response that helps the body fight off any impending bacterial infection, which is a primary cause of preterm labor.
The types of bacteria the mucus plug provides protection from include:
- Group B Streptococcus
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
- E. coli
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
These properties set it apart from the cervical secretions of people who are not pregnant.
Throughout pregnancy, the mucus plug is continuously refreshed with new secretions, in part due to the hormone progesterone.
Near the end of pregnancy, rising estrogen levels cause the cervix to open (dilate) and thin. This change can cause the mucus plug to dislodge and be excreted from the vagina. Since there is often an increase in discharge during pregnancy, it can be difficult to tell whether the mucus plug has been shed.
Signs that the mucus plug has been shed include:
- An increase in discharge that can be clear, creamy, yellow-white, pink-tinged, or streaked
- Red-tinged, pink, or brown discharge on your underwear or toilet paper, also known as bloody show
- Discharge appearing as beige or brown
- Stringy, or thick and gelatinous discharge, sometimes expelled all at once
Shedding of the mucus plug can occur after a cervical exam or after intercourse, but it should not be confused with seminal fluid.
The time between the shedding of the mucus plug and labor starting is different for each case. Sometimes the plug will be shed days or weeks ahead of labor beginning, and sometimes hours or during labor and delivery.
Other signs of labor are better indicators of whether delivery is near, including:
- Membrane rupture: Known as water breaking, the amniotic sac breaks, and a trickle or gush of fluid will leak from the vagina.
- Contractions: A regular pattern of often painful contractions in your pelvis and low back that gradually get closer together.
As mentioned above, the mucus plug can be expelled over several days, and you may see evidence of it on your sheets, underwear, or in the toilet. However, it can be discharged without any noticeable signs.
If you have other symptoms of labor, you should contact your healthcare provider, regardless of whether there’s evidence of the mucus plug or not.
If you experience regular contractions and/or your water breaks, it is vital to seek medical attention, especially if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant.
The passing of the mucus plug occurs when labor and delivery are near, even if the pregnancy has not reached full term. Therefore, if the mucus plug is excreted before 37 weeks of gestation, preterm labor may occur and you should seek medical care.
The loss of the mucus plug before 37 weeks does not mean that miscarriage will occur or that you will get an infection, but your healthcare provider will likely want to examine you to be sure. Try to keep a record of when you noticed signs of losing the mucus plug, what it looked like, and in what volume, along with any other signs or symptoms you might have.
When the mucus plug is expelled, it may mean that labor will occur. It is essential to know the signs of preterm labor and miscarriage.
Signs of preterm labor (between the 20th and 37th week of pregnancy) include:
- Mild to moderate cramping in your abdomen
- Dull low backache that is constant
- Feeling pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen
- Diarrhea
- Contractions that are consistent and frequent, with or without pain
- Watery, bloody, or mucus discharge that is different than usual
- More discharge than usual
- Water breaking in a trickle or gush, signaling ruptured membranes
Signs of miscarriage (before the 20th week of pregnancy) include:
- Pain and cramping in your abdomen or low back
- Tissue passing from the vagina
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Sudden loss of other pregnancy symptoms
Some bleeding and cramping in early pregnancy can be normal, but if it is painful, persistent, heavy, or if you are concerned at all, call for emergency medical attention.
Later in pregnancy, the amniotic sac, filled with fluid, provides closure to the cervix until your water breaks. After 37 weeks gestation, if no other labor symptoms are present, then the loss of the mucus plug is not a concern.
Once your mucus plug has been expelled, it is still acceptable to have intercourse or take a bath, as the amniotic sac will prevent infection until it breaks.
Although the mucus plug passing is not a sign that labor is starting right away, it is wise to let your healthcare provider know so they can do a checkup, especially if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant. Once your mucus plug is expelled, it does mean that labor and delivery could be near. Watch for other signs like leaking fluid and regular contractions.
Call your healthcare provider or obstetric provider if you notice the mucus plug has been passed along with other symptoms like cramping, bleeding, or leaking fluid, as it could be a sign of complications.
- Your cycle
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- Vaginal discharge
All females, whether pregnant or not, have some discharge from their vagina that starts one year before puberty and stops after menopause. The amount of vaginal discharge varies during the different phases of your life. When you get pregnant, it’s normal for you to have an increased cervical discharge. The pregnancy discharge may vary in thickness, consistency, amount and frequency throughout the duration of your pregnancy. It is among the earliest signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
Normal discharge from the vagina is called leucorrhea. It helps in keeping your vagina clean and preventing infection. An increase in vaginal discharge may occur as early as 1 to 2 weeks after you conceive, even before missing of your periods.
Yes, it is normal to have more vaginal discharge while pregnant. The cervical discharge may start increasing as soon 1 to 2 weeks after you conceive. The discharge may become heavier as the pregnancy progresses and is at its heaviest during the later stages of pregnancy.
The vaginal discharge while pregnant increases as your body produces more estrogen and the blood flow to the vaginal area is increased. Cervical changes during pregnancy may also affect the discharge from the vagina. As the cervix and the walls of the vagina soften, your body produces extra pregnancy discharge to help prevent the infections. The head of your baby may also press against your cervix towards the end of your pregnancy which may often result in the increase of vaginal discharge.
The pregnancy discharge consists of vaginal and cervical secretions, normal bacteria present in the vagina and old vaginal cells.
An increase in cervical discharge is among the earliest signs and symptoms of pregnancy. The cervical fluid when pregnant may increase as soon as 1 to 2 weeks after you conceive and the discharge may become more apparent as the pregnancy progresses.
During pregnancy, the blood flow to the cervical area is increased. This leads to an increase in the secretion of cervical fluid during pregnancy, which results in an increased pregnancy discharge. You should not get concerned about this increased vaginal discharge while pregnant as it is common during pregnancy and is harmless.
This discharge is clear or milky white, thin or mucus-like and mild smelling and it helps in keeping your vagina clean and preventing infections.
You should visit your physician if you have a pregnancy discharge with an unpleasant and strong smell or an unusual color.
The show is the mucus plug, which seals the cervix during your pregnancy and helps prevent the occurrence of infections. It is usually released during the later part of pregnancy as you are approaching labor. The mucus plug to seal the cervix forms early during pregnancy (at around 7th week) and when it loosens and start coming out, it indicates that labor may begin soon. Labor may begin soon after the mucus plug is discharged, or even one to two weeks later.
The show is thick mucus that may be tinged with streaks of blood. It may be stringy or sticky in consistency. If you release the cervical mucus plug, it’s a good idea to visit your physician as they may assess how much time has left for your labor to begin. It becomes even more important to visit your physician if you notice any vaginal bleeding.
Another type of pregnancy discharge that may occur anytime during your pregnancy is the leakage of amniotic fluid. It is the liquid, which surrounds your fetus in the uterus. It helps in the proper development of the baby. Leakage of amniotic fluid may feel like gushing or slow trickling of a warm fluid from your vagina. It is usually odorless and clear but may contain traces of mucus or blood.
Leaking amniotic fluid can be dangerous for you and your baby at any point during your pregnancy. While you may naturally leak a small amount of fluid, losing too much can be harmful.
You should visit your physician immediately if the discharge of cervical fluid while pregnant is brownish yellow or green-tinged. This may indicate that your baby has passed stool in the uterus, which may cause breathing complications in the baby at birth.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy may affect the pH of the vagina, which increases its susceptibility to pathogenic microorganisms that may lead to infections such as candida. Hence, during pregnancy, you are more prone to get yeast infections, particularly during the second trimester.
Yeast infection, also called thrush, may cause pregnancy discharge that is thick, white and appears like cottage cheese. The other symptoms and signs of thrush are itching around and in your vagina, redness and soreness around the vagina, stinging sensations during urination and pain while having sex.
You should visit your physician if your symptoms of cervical discharge during pregnancy are due to a yeast infection. They may prescribe antifungal creams and suppositories suitable for the stage of your pregnancy.
Spotting is the passage of trace amount of red, dark brown or pink blood during pregnancy. It is lighter in comparison to your menses. During pregnancy, spotting may be caused by a variety of factors. Around 20 percent of pregnant females notice spotting during the first trimester and it may occur due to implantation bleeding, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and unknown causes. During the second trimester, spotting may occur due to cervical irritation usually after a cervical exam or having sex and a cervical polyp. Spotting during the third trimester may occur after a cervical exam or having sex. It may also occur when there is a passage of the cervical mucus plug or show.
You should visit your physician if you experience spotting or vaginal bleeding any time during your pregnancy. Heavy vaginal bleeding during the second trimester may indicate medical emergencies such as placenta previa, late miscarriage, and premature labor and require immediate medical attention. Similarly, heavy bleeding during the third trimester also requires emergency medical attention as its cause may be placenta previa, vasa previa, and placental abruption.
Increased cervical discharge is among the normal and temporary changes of pregnancy. You may not do anything particular about it. If it is troubling and irritating you, you may try using unscented panty liners. You may also change your undergarments more often.
Try the following tips to maintain vaginal hygiene and manage increased cervical fluid while pregnant:
- Keep your vulva (outer genital area) and the perineum (area located between the anus and vagina) clean.
- Use water and mild, unscented soap or an emollient while washing the genitals. Wash gently and do not scrub your genitals.
- Don’t use vaginal deodorants, perfumed bubble baths or scented wipes on the vaginal area.
- Avoid douching the vagina (rinsing the vagina). This irritates the vaginal lining and upsets the natural balance of bacteria. Normal vaginal discharge is quite acidic and the presence of good bacteria keeps the harmful bacteria away. Altering this natural balance may result in inflammation and infection.
- Wear cotton undergarments.
- Wear loose clothing that allows air to pass through.
- Always dry your genital area after bathing or showering, exercising or swimming.
- Don’t use tampons during pregnancy as they may introduce germs in your vagina.
Updated on April 14, 2020
//www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy#3 //www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/leaking-amniotic-fluid#call-your-doctor
//www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/spotting-in-pregnancy#third-trimester