Updates throughout to expert sources, text, guidelines and formatting.
Heres what you oughta know about these common signs that labors on its way.
What is a mucus plug?
What does it mean to lose your mucus plug?
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What does a mucus plug look like?
The mucus plug is just what it sounds like: a sticky, gelatinous glob of mucus.
It may also be yellow or brown.
Your mucus plug always discharges before you deliver.
However, while some women notice the plug passing, others miss it entirely.
There is a big variation between women in the quantity and quality of the mucus, Dr Adberg says.
Does losing your mucus plug mean you’ve gone into labor?
In terms ofwhen labor will startafter your mucus plug discharges, it can vary from person to person.
While some women lose their mucus plug weeks before labor begins, others lose it right as labor starts.
And your baby is still safe even after youre unplugged.
In fact, your body continues to makecervical mucusto prevent infection, which means babys still snugly sealed off.
That said, anything youre concerned about warrants a call to the doctor.
All preterm bleeding warrants an evaluation.
Both can be signs of preterm labor.
What is bloody show?
Bloody show isnt a technical term.
But its a sign that blood vessels in the cervix are rupturing as it begins toefface and dilate.
Passing bloody show is different from passing the mucus plug.
How long after bloody show will you go into labor?
(Nice and predictable, right?).
So get ready, but don’t head out the door just yet.
Otherwise, if youve just lost your mucus plug, sit tight.
Baby’s not here just yet, but he will be soon.
Either way, it’s not long now before you’ll be giving birth to your precious new baby!
