If you picture an upturned wine bottle with a cork in it, that’s an image similar to the placement of a mucus plug. It covers the cervix until labor and delivery, when it is no longer needed because the baby is coming! Here are the need-to-know facts about the mucus plug.
What does it look and feel like?
True to its name, the mucus plug is made of — you guessed it — mucus, less than half an ounce of it [1]. It forms in the cervix during pregnancy and is usually clear, though it can take on a pinkish hue near baby’s due date [2]. It has a dense, sticky, jelly-like consistency.
What does it do?
It’s actually a pretty amazing natural innovation of the human body, in that it contains a large number of different antimicrobial components with unique protective properties. It serves as a barrier, preventing viruses and bacteria from entering the uterus through the cervix. By doing so, it prevents infections and even preterm birth [1].
What happens to it?
As labor approaches, the cervix begins to dilate, and the plug is either dislodged all at once (in which case you might find it in your underwear or bed sheets) or—most often—it comes off gradually and you won’t even notice it except for an increase in clear (or pinkish) vaginal discharge. The discharge may also be slightly bloody [2, 3].
This can happen a couple of days before baby is born, but it’s seen as an early sign of labor [2].
So if I notice that it’s come out, do I need to get to the hospital?
Not necessarily. It may take several days before baby’s born [1, 3]. If your discharge is a normal color and you’re not in pain, there’s no need to rush to the hospital.
When should I definitely go to the hospital?
if you’re having regular contractions;
if after the discharge of the mucus plug, you have lots of watery (not mucus) discharge; it’s possible your water has broken;
if you’re bleeding a lot, almost like you have your period; this can signal problems that need to be addressed immediately [3].
