Mucus Plug: Does Labor Start When You Lose it? (Photos)

What is a mucus plug? Is there a difference between mucus plug and bloody show? Here’s everything you need to know.

Written by Genevieve Howland
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Mason, CNM, APN, MSN
Updated on August 28, 2024
Available in عربى (Arabic), हिंदी (Hindi), 中文 (Chinese), Deutsche (German), Español (Spanish), Français (French), Português (Portuguese)

What is a mucus plug? What does a mucus plug look like? Does losing the mucus plug mean that labor is starting? Find out in this article!

There are some parts of pregnancy that don’t get talked about much. Like lochia, the normal bleeding that occurs postpartum. Or vernix, the cheesy white substance covering a newborn’s skin. And, of course, there’s the mucus plug.

Mucus Plug Video:

In this post, you’ll learn…

On this page…

What is the mucus plug?
What does the mucus plug look like?
Mucus plug photos
How do you know if you’ve lost your mucus plug?
How long after you lose your mucus plug do you go into labor?
What to do if/when you lose your mucus plug?
Should I call the doctor after I lose my mucus plug?
When do women normally lose their mucus plug?
What happens if I lose the plug early?
Is there an infection risk from losing the mucus plug early?
Is there a difference between mucus plug and bloody show?
My experience with the mucus plug
Other Natural Mamas’ experience with the mucus plug
Bonus
We’ve even got an animation of losing the mucus plug below!

What is the Mucus Plug?

The mucus plug is just what it sounds like, a plug made of thick, sticky mucus. During pregnancy, the mucus plug develops and lodges in the cervix to block the cervical canal. Its job is to protect your uterus from unwanted bacteria and pathogens that could enter in, such as those you’re exposed to during sexual activity or vaginal exams. (source)

Secretions from the cervix, and an increase in estrogen and progesterone begin to form the mucus plug early on in pregnancy, when the ovum makes it’s way to the uterus. Even though the plug lasts until the end of your pregnancy, your body is constantly creating new mucus to keep it fresh.

What Does It Mean to Lose Your Mucus Plug?

Does losing your mucus plug mean you’ve gone into labor? Losing your mucus plug usually means that your body is preparing for labor. It is, after all, one of the main lines of defense between your womb and the outside world. Your cervix is likely effacing, or dilating, or both to get ready for the big day. Effacement is when the cervix thins and stretches, while dilation is when it opens. (source)

While your body is prepping for labor, it still might take some time for the whole process to unfold (more on timing below).

What Does the Mucus Plug Look Like?

How do you know if it was your mucus plug that you lost? Look for these signs:

Color: A mucus plug can be clear, white, green, yellow, slightly pink, or brown. (Kinda like the mucus that expels from your nose and throat.) Normally though, it’s an off-white discharge with streaks of pink.
Texture: It has a gelatinous look and is thick while in the cervix, but typically becomes thin and more liquid once expelled.
Size: The mucus plug is about 4-5 centimeters long, or about 1 ounce in volume. If your body doesn’t expel the plug all at once, it may seem like much less.

Is There a Difference Between Mucus Plug and Bloody Show?

While the mucus plug can be slightly pink or even have streaks of blood in it, it’s not necessarily the same thing as bloody show. (source)

Bloody show: What is the “bloody show?” The term bloody show is used when there is blood passing out of the vagina and it’s mixed with a little mucus. It is a stringy mucus and can occur after a vaginal exam and usually during labor as a sign of progress. (source)
Mucus plug: The mucus plug is a thick gelatinous plug of mucus that is sometimes—but not always—tinged with blood. (source)

Mucus Plug Vs. Early White Pregnancy Discharge

The mucus plug is a type of pregnancy discharge, but it’s different from clear or white discharge during early pregnancy, which is usually thin and fluid, and can vary in consistency.

The mucus plug is thicker and more gelatinous, often with a slightly sticky texture, and can be tinged with pink or brown. Unlike early pregnancy discharge, which can be more consistent throughout, the mucus plug is specifically formed and expelled as the cervix prepares for labor, signaling that your body is getting ready for delivery.

How Do You Know If You’ve Lost Your Mucus Plug?

Symptoms of mucus plug discharging include a thick, gelatinous discharge that may be clear, pink, or slightly bloody, often accompanied by a sensation of increased vaginal discharge or slight cramping.

In terms of what’s happening in your body when you lose your mucus plug, here’s an overview:

Once the baby “drops” and settles lower into the pelvis, this starts the process of the cervix opening. When the cervix begins to “ripen” and soften in preparation for labor, the mucus plug is no longer held firmly in place and falls out. These changes in the cervix can cause capillaries to burst, creating the pink tinge of the mucus plug.

Some women lose a large portion of their mucus plug at once. If this isn’t your first time around the block, your cervix is more elastic making it much more likely for the plug to come out in one piece, with little to no blood.
Other women lose their mucus plug gradually—even over the course of a few weeks.

The plug is commonly expelled after a trip to the powder room, or during a shower, making it difficult to observe. Because vaginal discharge is increased during pregnancy anyway, you may not even notice it at all!

How Long After You Lose Your Mucus Plug Do You Go Into Labor?

Even though your body is showing signs of preparing for labor, don’t grab your birth bag just yet. Birth could be hours away after losing your mucus plug, or it could be a few weeks away. It depends on each woman, and there is no cookie cutter answer. (source)

If this is your first baby, then it could likely be a few days or weeks before labor begins.
If this isn’t your first baby, then you’re more likely to be in the “give birth in a few hours” camp.

There really is no definite timeline here.

What about the bloody show—how long after the bloody show will you go into labor?The onset of labor after a bloody show can vary, but it typically occurs within a few hours to a few days.

What to Do If/When You Lose Your Mucus Plug

If you’re 37-42 weeks along and you’ve definitely lost the mucus plug and the discharge is normal in color, it simply means that baby will be arriving in the near future. It’s time to wait it out. (source)
If the loss of the mucus plug is accompanied by contractions that increase in intensity and duration, and/or your water breaking, labor is definitely on its way and you need to contact your birth team.

Should I Call the Doctor After I lose My Mucus Plug?

If the mucus plug is accompanied by a large amount of bright red blood, about 1 Tbsp or more, that can be a cause for concern and you should contact your midwife or doctor. Because it could be a sign of complications such as placenta previa, it’s important to talk to your healthcare team right away.

Placental abruption is a rarer condition that can also cause bright red bleeding. During a placental abruption, the placenta detaches either partially or fully from the uterine wall. (source)

Mama-Natural-Labor-Playbook-childbirth-delivery

Things To Avoid After Using Your Mucus Plug

After your mucus plug has been expelled, it’s important to avoid certain activities to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Here’s what not to do after your mucus plug comes out:

Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse, as it can introduce bacteria into the uterus, increasing the risk of infection.
Refrain from inserting anything into the vagina, including tampons or douches, to prevent disrupting the natural healing process.
Limit vigorous physical activity, which can potentially cause stress or further complications.
Monitor for any signs of infection, such as unusual discharge or discomfort, and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms

When Do Women Normally Lose Their Mucus Plug?

If you haven’t lost yours yet, you may be wondering when to expect it to happen. Your body typically gets rid of the plug between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. It can even happen as late as when you are pushing baby out! (Yes, this happened to me in my 3rd birth.) Some women can lose it earlier in the pregnancy—the body will create more mucus to protect your baby.

As your body begins to prepare for delivery the cervix softens, or becomes thinner and wider, and you will naturally shed the mucus plug. Some women in late pregnancy may also lose their mucus plug—or a portion of it—after intercourse or an internal exam.

Here’s an animation of what happens when you lose the mucus plug right before birth

What Happens If I Lose the Plug Early?

Even though it’s an early sign of labor, the mucus plug can regenerate itself to some extent if it’s lost earlier than the 37 week mark. As long as contractions haven’t started and there’s not a lot of bright red blood, there’s typically nothing to worry about. (source)

However, if it’s lost before the 37 week period, be sure to let your midwife know so she can keep an eye on things. Losing it early on in pregnancy could indicate premature labor.

Is there an infection risk from losing the mucus plug early? If you do happen to pass the plug early on in the pregnancy, it will likely regenerate. (source) Even if it doesn’t regenerate, you still have the amniotic sac surrounding the baby, protecting them from infection and pathogens.

The amniotic sac is the last line of defense between the outside world and your baby, but the mucus plug is really the heavy hitter when it comes to destroying incoming pathogens. If you’ve lost it early, healthcare providers may recommend you refrain from sexual activity. They’ll also advise you not to swim in a city pool, lake, or anywhere else that may carry a risk of infection.

What to Do If You Think You’re In Labor

If you’ve lost your plug or experienced the bloody show and think you’re in labor, start by timing your contractions and noting their intensity, duration, and frequency. Contact your midwife or doctor to discuss your symptoms and determine whether you should head to the hospital or birthing center, and prepare your hospital bag if you haven’t already.

Looking for help speeding up labor after losing your mucus plug? Try these tips:

Sray active by doing gentle activities like walking or using a birthing ball to help stimulate contractions and encourage labor progress.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Use techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to manage stress and promote a calm environment conducive to labor.
Gently stimulate your nipples to release oxytocin, a hormone that can help trigger and strengthen contractions.
If your provider says it’s okay, sexual intercourse can help stimulate contractions due to the release of prostaglandins in semen and the natural oxytocin response.
Consume light, nutritious foods to maintain energy levels and avoid fatigue, which can be important as labor progresses.

Recap

So to review, the mucus plug:

Can be many different colors, but typically a gelatinous off white with or without pink streaking.
Is ok to lose early, as long as your birth team knows.
Isn’t cause for worry, unless there’s over 1 Tbsp of blood when you lose it.
May or may not jumpstart labor.
Is not (necessarily) the same as bloody show.

Mucus Plug Testimonials

My Experience With the Mucus Plug:

In my first pregnancy, I lost my mucus plug and didn’t know what it was. For me, it was very liquidy and mostly clear. I woke up and felt like I peed in my pants. I assumed my water broke, so I went into the midwives office. She tested the pH and told me that it was the plug. My labor began 12 hours later. (BTW, I never saw the bloody show.)

With my second birth, I never saw a mucus plug or bloody show.

With my third birth, the plug shot out while I was pushing! Yes, the first time I pushed, I pushed that thing out. It looked like the popular kids’ “slime.” It was an opaque color with hints of pink and red. Right before that, I saw the bloody show and my water broke.

Other Natural Mamas’ Experience With the Mucus Plug:

I asked the moms on my Facebook page to share when they lost their mucus plug and whether labor started shortly after. Here are some of their responses.

I lost mine with each pregnancy as I was having mild cramping before labor/birth. Only hours before. Looks like a pink and clear swirl ball of snot about the size of your palm. — Jennora W.
Both my kids were born at 37 weeks. Never saw it with my first, but with my second I shed mine for a course of 10 days. I was having mild contractions and looked like large amounts of semen with a tinge of blood, varying in size. So gross, but so natural. — Brooke V.
With my first, I lost it a little at a time starting a few days before labor. With my second, I lost it halfway through labor. — Tara K.
I lost mine about an hour and a half into labor. It reminded me of seaweed, only red. — Kristy Y.
I don’t remember seeing mine at all. I got to the hospital at 6cm and still hadn’t seen anything. Could have came out after, but I don’t know how I could still have a plug at 6cm! — Hannah M.
Despite having five kids, I’ve never seen a mucus plug. — Liz W.
I don’t think mine came out until I was already quite far along in labor at the birth center and was in the tub there. It came out in the tub, so I didn’t really see it much! — Patty D.
Not until I was hours into labor, and I told my midwife it looked like a small jellyfish—like the ones you see washed up at low tide. — Jillian K.
The only time I noticed losing a mucus plug was with my third child. I noticed it when my water broke, contractions started about three hours later. — Gloria H.
I lost my mucus plug roughly 12 hours before active labor started with both kids. — Stephanie J.
Mine fell out a week and a half before my daughters were born. It started prodromal labor though. — Meredith

Conclusion: What Does the Mucus Plug Look Like And What Does Losing It Mean?

The mucus plug plays a crucial role in protecting your uterus from infections during pregnancy, and its loss signifies that your body is preparing for labor.
Losing the mucus plug is a normal part of the labor process, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that labor will start immediately—timing can vary greatly; it can even take weeks for labor to start.
If you notice a significant amount of bright red blood or experience any unusual symptoms after losing the mucus plug, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
Keep an eye on any changes in your body and monitor for signs of labor or infection, especially if the mucus plug is lost earlier than expected.
Share your experiences or concerns about losing the mucus plug with your midwife or doctor to ensure that you and your baby are on the right track for a healthy delivery.

How about you? How did you lose your mucus plug during pregnancy? Let us know in the comments below!

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About the Author

Genevieve Howland is a doula and childbirth educator. She is the bestselling author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth and creator of the Mama Natural Birth Course. A mother of three, graduate of the University of Colorado, and YouTuber with over 135,000,000 views, she helps mothers and moms-to-be lead healthier and more natural lives.

Reviewed By
Cynthia Mason, CNM, APN, MSN

Cynthia Mason, CNM, APN, MSN is a Certified Nurse Midwife who has attended more than five hundred births. She works in Regional Obstetrics and Gynecology for Cleveland Clinic.

193 Comments

Cortney McComas Sep 9 at 11:48 pm

I lost mine while using the rest room and just sitting on the toilet to let gravity help baby get engaged. I’m 39 weeks and 5 days along, and was 4cm dilated, 60% effaced at my last check.

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Amy Sep 1 at 10:15 pm

I lost my mucus plug way beforehand with all 3 of my babies. Baby #1 – 32 weeks, baby #2 – 27 weeks, and baby #3 – 26 weeks. As well, I had preterm labor with all of them and was 3 cm dilated for months. I ended up having to be induced with all 3, as the placenta was shutting down. Labor was only 1.5 hours all 3 times.

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Ashley Proulx Oct 12 at 3:27 am

I’m currently 36 wks 3 days pregnant with baby number 6 and mine just fell out this morning well minus the fact that I was losing small pieces for the past week. I have had severe pelvic pain so bad that it is almost impossible for me to comfortably get out of bed or even stand up without crying. My previous pregnancies were all pretty much induced with the exception of # 5 (I was in labor for 4 hours from start to finish from 2 cm to 10 cm) baby was out in 2 pushes. At this point since I have been experiencing all of the tell tale signs of labor the past few weeks ( Revved up BH contractions, lightning, severe pelvic and back pain, and now the complete loss of my plug) *it was thick yellow gelatinous and about a the size of a 50 cent piece that came out when I wiped and literally fell onto my hand (eww)* so now as I sit here in the middle of a freshly cleaned room (nesting of course) I know that once labor starts4 me that it’s gunna be quick and I will hopefully make it to the hospital before I hav

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Mimiof2 Jul 28 at 4:46 am

Just to clarify any confusion: When your cervix dilates, it’s making room for your baby to pass through. Because it’s filled with blood vessels, it can bleed easily when dilation occurs. What you see in a bloody show is blood from your cervix mixed with mucus from the mucus plug.

Either way, it’s still the mucus plug. The term used is different, not the discharge. Closer to labor, the mucus plug might be mixed with more blood. (As the article states, that Blood should not be more than a tablespoon. If it is, contact your OB or midwife.) When the mucus plug is heavily tinged, it’s called “bloody show.” When it’s not, the mucus plug is simply called “mucus plug.” It’s the same mucus coming from the cervix.

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Zara May 18 at 8:07 pm

I’m 32 weeks pregnant & just spent two days in the hospital due to losing my mucus plug, I’ve been having intense contractions nonstop & was wondering if it is life threatening to myself if I end up giving birth within the week ? This is my first pregnancy.

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- Team Mama Natural Aug 11 at 7:44 pm
  
  Giving birth after thirty weeks is not inherently dangerous to you–and while a baby may need quite a bit of time and care in the NICU at this age, most babies born with prematurity as the only health concerns do quite well. This is definitely something to discuss in depth with your doctor and the NICU team! Here’s hoping that babe stays in for a little bit longer!
  
  Reply
Laura Apr 14 at 9:20 am

I don’t remember losing my mucous plug with my first labour. The second labour was following a membrane sweep, lost plug the next day, waters broke the day after that and my son was born 28 hours after waters broke. With third pregnancy I don’t remember the mucous plug either. This is my 4th pregnancy and I’m currently 38+5, I’ve had three membrane sweeps in the last week, each time losing a plug the following day but no labour progression. Today I have lost mucous plug in four different sessions and still no signs of imminent labour. I’m booked in for an induction on Sunday where I’ll be 39+2. Just waiting painstakingly for baby to arrive. Getting a bit fed up now. Other kids were born 39+6 (following induction), 38+4 (following membrane sweep) and 39+0 (labour started spontaneously with no medical intervention) so I guess each labour is different.

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Carol Jun 19 at 3:51 am

Lost mine 38 w 1 d after my midwife performed a sweep without letting me know, maybe because she thought my baby May come out to be 9 lbs and could cause complications.

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Alyssa Jun 12 at 12:04 pm

I’m 39 weeks and 3 days I had a membrane sweep yesterday, and woke up this morning and lost my mucus plug. I have another appointment on Monday which is only two days away to see if I have progressed any (I’m only one and a half centimeters dilated) if I haven’t then I will get induced Tuesday or sometime that week after my appointment!

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Khush May 22 at 7:09 am

I just lost the mucus and your article helped a lot to understand.

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- Genevieve Howland May 24 at 11:01 am
  
  Awesome! Hope you had/have a great childbirth! Go mama go!
  
  Reply
Sarah Darling Mar 11 at 8:56 am

I have had five natural births, I din’t lose my mucous plug with any of them, neither did my waters break with any.

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Virginia Mar 3 at 6:26 am

I’m not pregnant (like absolute zero chance) but once a couple of months I have discharge like that. Either previous to my period or during it. It’s just like a giant stretchy springy clearish piece of mucus. I don’t know what on earth is that but I have to pull it out of my body because it’s really bouncy and sticky. It’s like magic trick, it keeps going as I pull it out.
I’m on the pill (and zero activity). It started during 2020. Please help what’s that thing????

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- Stef Apr 19 at 7:57 pm
  
  Hi! You may be seeing the discharge from your cycle that tells you when you are most fertile (it has nothing to do with whether you are sexually active). I highly recommend Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, and tcoyf.com. Usually our discharge changes right before we ovulate. Look into it!
  
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Carolee Jan 29 at 11:39 am

I’m 37 weeks pregnant and dilated to a 3 1/2. My baby is breached and had an evc (I think that’s what they called it) I could only tolerate it half way. It was horrific pain. Only for baby to flip right back to breech position. Now today I’ve lost my mucus plug. No contractions and still think she’s breech. I’m terrified beyond of a c section and don’t know how to get through this . Help any advice??

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- Team Mama Natural Feb 3 at 11:12 pm
  
  Are there any providers in your area skilled at vaginal breech birth?
  
  Reply
Nina Montgomery Aug 21 at 9:24 am

I’m 36 weeks and 6 days and lost mines today and I’m already 4 1/2 dilated. Been this way for 2 weeks

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- Coral gray Feb 24 at 6:05 am
  
  I’m 35 and 6 days today and I lost mine tonight, and I’m 2 cm dilated and 45% effaced.. I have no idea if this is natural for your 4th pregnancy but that’s what I’m going through…
  
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charlotte Anne harper Jun 30 at 12:52 pm

Mine came out today!! 39 + 3, 2 sweeps down went to the loo earlier and thought I was giving birth on the toilet there was something huge and slimey dangling between my legs! To the point where I had to ask my other half to have a look at what it is (first baby flew out no contractions, no plug at all 1hr 32mins labour and waters didn’t go at all had to be broke at 10cm when she was comin out!) so I panicked that I was giving birth on the loo to be honest but in the end just turned out to be a massive stringy glob of white stuff which I had to pull out in the end there was that much (tmi I know).. No obvious proper labour signs as of yet 7 hours later, she’s very low down and I have a lot of pressure and a bit of backache but just waiting for something a bit more conclusive to happen before I cart myself to the hospital again! Hopefully won’t be long for me though ! x

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- Team Mama Natural Jul 2 at 2:25 am
  
  Sounds exciting, keep us posted!
  
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Antoinette Apr 18 at 10:37 am

I lost my mucus plug at 36 weeks and 2 days and it was a t0hick opaque long string like thing. I am currently 37 and 3 having contractions but not in full labor..

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Nonyelum Onwumere Sep 8 at 12:19 am

Am 40 weeks and 4 days today, passed something more watery but slimy. I don’t know if it’s the mucous plug. This is my first pregnancy.

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Willow Sep 6 at 1:12 pm

I had my first cervical exam at 37 weeks and 5 days and I was 90% effaced and 2 cm dilated. I lost my mucus plug at 34 weeks but this time it was tinged with blood and wasn’t just mucus so I assume it’s the bloody show, I lost it at 37 weeks and 6 days and have been shedding it for 3 days now. I am 38 weeks and 1 day. I don’t know what contractions feel like or really how to time them. This is my first kid and I just wanna how long it’ll take for labor to kick in!

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- Laura Apr 14 at 9:25 am
  
  What I’ve found with my labours (I’m pregnant with number 4 now) is once you start getting contractions (tightenings in your whole stomach, usually accompanied with lower backache) every 5 minutes or less and they last between 60-90 seconds, you should take yourself to the hospital. It could mean baby is on its way!
  
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Darla Aug 11 at 3:53 am

I am 36 and 3 weeks pregnant and lost my mucus plug over the last 24 hrs. Having mild contractions. Not sure if that means something or not. This is my 4th child. I don’t recall losing it this early with any of my other pregnancies.

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felix lina Jul 7 at 6:46 am

I am not sure of the cause of COPD emphysema in my case. I smoked pack a day for 12 or 13 years, but quit 40 years ago. I have been an outdoor person all my adult life. Coughing started last summer producing thick mucus, greenish tint to clear. I tried prednisone and antibiotics, but no change. X-rays are negative, heart lungs and blood and serum chemistries all are normal. I have lung calcification from childhood bout with histoplasmosis. I am 75 years old and retired.My current doctor directed me to totalcureherbsfoundation.com which I purchase the COPD herbal remedies from them ,they are located in Johannesburg, the herbal treatment has effectively reduce all my symptoms totally, am waiting to complete the 15 weeks usage because they guaranteed me total cure.

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- Alexis Dec 8 at 9:47 pm
  
  40 weeks and 1 day pregnant. At 9:30 am this morning as I was talking to my doula ( I was so discouraged because I’m over 40 weeks and this will my first homebirth- my 6th pregnancy, 4th child passed at 2 months, and miscarriage followed 4 months later) my mucus plug fell out! It was such a relief and a sign from God that baby Zaryiah is on her way!
  
  Any day now she can be here!
  
  Reply
Sheila Jun 11 at 3:57 pm

With our daughter about to turn 1 next week, I don’t recall seeing my membrane plug. But I just happened to look up membrane plug because I am 39 weeks today with our 2nd daughter… and it came out. Hoping to have this baby soon ? our 1st daughter was 11 late and I was induced.

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Emily May 13 at 11:12 am

My mucus plug goes out when she wants to. It’s like that in my whole pregnancy. It have happened many times and I haven’t gave birth yet. My baby is still inside (week 34) and from the fetal morphology ultrasound examination looks it is pretty healthy. This is what doctors say. About the plug…. well I have felt many times that my panties become wet and when I look, I see clear, transparent looking mucus, without any aroma or color. It usually happens after a sexual intercourse – sometimes immediately – when I go to pee – or after a day or two. It also happens when I need hard to pee. Sounds a bit funny, but it’s true. And I am happy to know that the mucus recovers by the body again and again. Sounds really calming to me. Doctors hadn’t explain anything. Are there other moms like me? I really hope I will carry my baby just to my labor date. But I have packed the bag, just if something happens before it…..

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- Linda Vasquez May 27 at 2:46 am
  
  Have you considered that what you see after you have intercourse could be the semen from your partner
  
  Reply
  - Amber Rogers Jun 5 at 10:06 am
    
    Not necessarily if the significant other wasnt male or they chose not to ejaculate inside of her.
    
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- Hellen Feb 12 at 9:21 pm
  
  It happens to me also. A day after sex. Usually very thick, pale yellow and sometimes clear.. my gynecologist has no explanation but it has always been like that with me.. Even when not pregnant, I lose that stuff after I reach orgasm whether with sexual penetration or maturation, I always lose it so I won’t take it that it’s seen mixed with discharge. My trigger is always an orgasm. I am currently 29 weeks and I have been losing it. I am trying to avoid orgasms to minimize how much I lose
  
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Cristal Jan 7 at 8:25 am

I lost mine a while before i gave birth actually it was January and i gave birth in june. It happened during sexual intercourse and it was a green tint with no red. Very gross and they told me it was part of my mucus plug shedding. I did have problems with that pregnacy previous to that and was put on bedrest. My son was a healthy weight and only was 2 days early. He is healthy and very smart he is a year and half and so far no issues.

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Pr Oct 30 at 12:41 am

I am 39 weeks today. I just lost my mucus pkug, just now. I was busy getting dress after having sex and saw something on the ground, so it must have fallen out without my knowledge. It is clear, thick and elastic. So now im waiting for contractions and labour to start.

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Tommi Oct 10 at 9:17 pm

I’m 36 weeks and 3 days lost mine today. Had my first cervix check yesterday! 1cm dilated. This is my first child!

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Jami Gilbert Aug 11 at 9:00 am

I’m 38 weeks and 2 days and I just lost my mucus plug last night around 2:30 this is my 3rd child and I never lost my mucus plug with my first 2

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Dianmar Jun 29 at 3:28 pm

I lost nine at the beginning of labor or a day or two before, with all 4 of my pregnancies.

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Abby Jackson Jun 13 at 1:27 am

I lost mine well into labor – between 4 & 7 cm. I was getting out of the labor-tub, looked down and there it was on my leg – seemed pretty big to me so I think mine came out all at once! If I remember, it was a grey color with streaks of red.

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Tamar Moultrie May 9 at 3:40 am

I am 38wks6 and just lost a small piece of my mucus plug. Hoping it all comes out soon and that l&d is sooner not later! This is baby number 4 for me. Hoping for a quick and healthy delivery.

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Olivia Moss Apr 11 at 7:13 am

Today I’m 38 weeks and 5 days, woke up this morning and noticed i lost my mucus plug, (first child) it was a lot so I’m sure it all came out at once. Was having back pain while standing, been having period like cramps lately, and today is my birthday so I’m hoping my lil baby girl comes early.

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Tara Apr 11 at 3:17 am

First time mama from Michigan at 39 weeks 5 days- I think I may have just lost part of mine following intercourse. Looked like a large yellow clearish booger and my husband swears there was some old blood in there too. No braxton Hicks as of yet but we’ll see what happens. I see the OB tomorrow! Excited!

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Gustin Mar 25 at 3:42 pm

I was 38 week and 1 day when I lost mine(early in the morning). It look like a slim-pretty gross-clearing yellow color. Just like in the pictures shown. I thought about taking a picture but I was so nervous/excited I was possibly in labor.
I had lots of back pain the night before and didn’t think anything of it.
The next day I had tons of Braxton hicks. The most strong and uncomfortable BH I have ever had. (2nd baby btw)
That night contractions kicked in and they were getting close but still all over the place and not regular. Then 5am they completely stopped. Today I am 38 weeks and 4 days. Still pregnant, still feeling BH. I have walked, ate some pinnappkes, and drank warm tea.
Just cramping and very uncomfortable. Hopefully in the next day or two we get a baby but honestly I think it will be another week before he decided to come.

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Crystal Mar 22 at 1:18 am

I have no idea what mine looks like because I had a scheduled induction due to an extremely high risk pregnancy. It ended up having to be an emergency C section… All I remember is the rush of fluid when they broke my water, I thought for sure I was going to drown everyone there! Contractions just felt like my worst menstrual cramps (which were pretty bad but familiar) had my son in 2007 and he amazes me every single day. <3

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Danicia Mar 15 at 8:00 am

I just lost mine I was standing in the kitchen and felt something wet and reached down and pulled it half way out and freaked out and sat on the toilet. My husband said it’s dangling can you grab it with a tissue. So I did. It was about 2.5 inches long. Very weird.

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Yanelle Mar 14 at 9:20 pm

I lost mine about 3 hours ago. Today I had my 39 week check-up, and the doctor opened my cervix from 1 cm to 2 cm. He told me I might have some bleeding after the check up, but I was using the bathroom fine and did not have any bleeding. Later on in the day (3 hours ago), I was doing #2 (sorry, TMI) and when I wiped I had the mucous plug. I knew what it looked like because I googled this exact article last week and saw the pictures. It was a long mucous with a red streak of blood- first time I have blood in my entire pregnancy. Let’s see!

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Mikayela Mar 9 at 11:07 pm

I am 37 weeks. At my last check up on Wednesday they checked my cervix and I was dilated at a 0. Since Wednesday I have been having huge clumps of my mucus plug come out with old brown blood non stop. Every 30 minutes I was having to clean myself and found very mucusy discharge with brown in it just like the mucus plug is described as. I never had cramps with my periods before so I don’t know what to look for with contractions. However all day I have had tremendous lower back pain. And just about 30 min ago I’m pretty positive I lost my entire mucus plug. It was one HUGE layer, over an inch long and wide. So mucusy it was stuck to my panties, with brown and some bright red blood. Should I be packing my hospital bag and calling my doctor? I have had no other signs of contractions from what I know of. Thank you! First pregnancy if you didn’t already guess

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Kirstin Mar 2 at 8:47 am

I’m 40 weeks plus 4 day and a first time mama. Had my first vaginal exam yesterday and intercourse last night, then had cramping all night. At 6 am this morning I lost the mucus plug. Having some mild cramping and contractions so we’ll see what the rest of the day brings! Updated my doula and hubby. Hope this means labor is hours away, Can’t wait to meet my baby!

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Anna Feb 27 at 10:18 am

I lost big pieces of mine at a time. One long thick strand covered a whole toilet paper wad at 36 weeks. I thought this was it. Then more came as much to cover a finger at week 38. Now at week 39 the biggest yet came out in the shape of a ring covering the inside palm of my hand. All were clear, thick, mucousy, globs.

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Kaycha Feb 22 at 1:27 am

This is my forth pregnancy.
My first and second pregnancies, I lost my plug early on (2nd trimester) and both times it looked like someone dropped a booger in the toilet (or that it had gone through a shredder). My third pregnancy I didn’t notice ever losing my plug. Today I’m 38 almost 39 weeks and have spotted yet again a yellow booger (sorry if it’s TMI).
Looking forward to this being over not looking forward to the wait.

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- Chelsea Jul 19 at 11:48 pm
  
  With your 1st and second pregnancy you said you lost your mucus plug. How long after posting them did you go into labor?? I’m 33 weeks and think I lost a tiny peice of mine it was goopie and stringy
  
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Ashley Jan 31 at 10:08 am

I had a nasty backache around 29 weeks gestation, and my mother said I was carrying the baby too low and that it had dropped. Within a day or two, I saw the bloody mucous and called the nurse line to ask if it was my mucous plug and should I be worried. While on the phone I began cramp. She told me to get to the ER. Once there, my OB/GYN found me fully effaced! I was kept in the hospital and gave birth at 32 weeks 5 days. Today my son is happy, healthy, with no problems that are associated with prematurity.

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Jen Jan 22 at 7:07 am

I just lost mine this morning..awaiting results. 🙂

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Alejandra Treto Jan 14 at 10:43 pm

With my first pregnancy I lost my mucus plug around 1 am (tinged with blood) & had my daughter at 3:16 pm later that day. Today at around 1 pm I lost some of my mucus plug (snot looking) and around 7 pm passed more that was brownish. still no contractions but hoping its soon! I am 39 weeks due in 6 days!

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Brit Jan 10 at 10:59 am

Lost my mucus plug January 7th at 38 weeks 4days no pains still losing mucus till this day January 10th 39 weeks today. Guess he’ll come down when he’s ready ??.. 3rd pregnancy first time experiencing losing plug first two pregnancy had to be induced ?

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Paula Small Jan 8 at 9:43 pm

I lost my mucus plug 12 hours before giving birth to my son.

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Kelly Dec 9 at 9:52 pm

39 weeks pregnant + 2 days pregnant today. Was at the Perot museum feeling crampy and having a hard time sitting comfortably…lost plug at 4:45 and have been having cramps, and mild contractions since 7PM. They are ten minutes apart. Want to labor at home as long as possible, so not calling the doc yet 🙂 No warning signs so I feel safe waiting.

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Karen Nov 30 at 4:34 pm

Was 10 days past due with first and only baby. Got up at 7 am to urinate and my mucus plug fell out. I waited all day having contractions on and off, nothing consistent. Finally by 8 pm that same night they got regular at 5 minutes apart. Left for hospital and delivered a 9 lb 13 oz baby boy at 2:28 am with no drugs.

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- Linda Aug 31 at 1:30 pm
  
  Omg you are my hero !!!
  
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Megan Nov 16 at 6:18 pm

My mucus plug was brownish red. I saw it at 4:30 pm, my water broke at 7:45 pm and our baby girl was born 4:51 am. This was my first pregnancy.

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Cathy E Nov 6 at 3:21 pm

I lost my mucus plug in my first pregnancy about 12 hours before I delivered my son at 37 weeks. This is my second pregnancy and I’m 38 weeks and a day and I just lost the plug about 3 hours ago. I’m experiencing mild cramping pain so far. Hope labour is soon

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- Chloe Nov 23 at 6:25 pm
  
  HOWD IT GO?!
  
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rozzy Nov 2 at 9:31 am

Am 40wks and 4days and I can’t wait for my baby to come, I just saw the mucous plug today by 11am, contractions haven’t been consistent today, i hope my labor will start soon

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- Team Mama Natural Nov 2 at 9:47 pm
  
  Good luck!
  
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- Delcinia Dec 11 at 9:43 am
  
  My mucus plug now came out how long will it take for me to go into labor?
  
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Sabrina Oct 5 at 4:56 pm

After went through the article, it relieved me from anxiety. I lost my mucus plug last night after my OB doctor did the vaginal exam at 36weeks +3. And my doctor seemed to know it would come, since she told me yesterday if little blood would come, and that would be normal. Hope it will regenerate since I don’t want a premature labor.

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Nadine Oct 1 at 8:45 am

Im exactly in the same boat right now. I’ll be 40 weeks tomorrow. Started to loose my mucus plug since last week Saturday! I started having contractions (5-8min apart) since this week Thursday… its Sunday now and still nothing. My doctor said I should wait until I have 3 strong contractions in 10 min. The contractions are slow today. They are about 15 to almost half an hour apart. Don’t know if baby is getting lazy to come out but they are also not that strong anymore. Just some of them. I really need to start walking but I am so tired and my feet are swollen and so sore! Lets hope for the best that baby comes soon!

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- Daniese Oct 1 at 2:31 pm
  
  Thought I was the only 1. I’m currently 40 weeks and 4 days and still nothing. Last night me and my husband rushed to the hospital because we thought our son was conning. I was having 5-6 minuets apart contraction and when the hospital checked me , my cervix was still high and closed smh. Today still having the worst contraction but now there about 25 mins apart. I just started to loose my mucus plug about an Hr ago, so I hope this mean he’s coming in a few hours. I just dont want to be induced.
  
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  - Eviane Oct 14 at 7:14 pm
    
    I’m 37weeks and 2 days today lastnight I went to the Labor and delivery because I was having contraction 10-15 minutes apart I’m also 4cm and 60% thinned I lost my mucus plug this morning around 8:30 I’ve had a few contractions but nothing major and my water hasn’t broken….I’m supposed to be induced on Halloween but I don’t think I’ll make it that far
    
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- Suverna Nov 10 at 1:18 am
  
  Was there bleeding too,after removal of ur mucus plug? I had vaginal exam by doctor 3 days ago ,since then m loosing mucus n blood.. i dnt knw if i shud wait or nt.. pains r coming and goin. Baby activity is also there.. if i ll go to doctor she ll defintly induce labour,wich i dnt want untill its really neccesary. Plz help. TIA 🙂
  
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  - Team Mama Natural Nov 10 at 1:04 pm
    
    If you’re having vaginal bleeding, please contact your provider.
    
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Kandi Aug 31 at 8:53 am

I’m 24 weeks and I think I’ve been losing pieces of it over the past few days, it looked like everything described and seen here, especially a larger piece that had dark brown streaked through. I haven’t read about a lot of people losing theirs this early. I’m still waiting for my paperwork with my husbands insurance to be finalized so I can see a doctor here since we moved 2 months ago, it’s been the longest process due to missing paperwork. I don’t know if I should be worried or just go with the flow since there’s no pain or blood. Everything seems fine.

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- Danielle Sep 27 at 3:16 pm
  
  Have you confirmed that that’s what it was?
  
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- Brittany Nov 24 at 4:37 pm
  
  Same thing happened to me around that time and mine regenerated within that week
  
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- Valerie Dec 27 at 3:00 pm
  
  So what happened?! I’m 21 weeks today and I’m pretty sure I lost mine this morning. I’m already high risk since my last baby was born at 29 weeks due to preeclampsia.
  
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Rebeccasmummy Aug 29 at 8:53 pm

I’m 34+and I lost my mucus plug today this is my second baby so really excited as I was due to be induced next week anyway been having crackpots pains and contractions all day

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- Rebeccasmummy Aug 29 at 8:54 pm
  
  Cramps even
  
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- Staceyeggleston14 Apr 8 at 6:08 am
  
  I have had 4 pregnancies in the past
  My first born son I didn’t have any mu us plug with him but I had alot of backache. Logan-James I was bleeding out of nowhere 13 weeks early and he came the same night at 4:59am and weighed 2pound 2oz,logan stayed in hospital for months and to this day I blame myself because he died and got brought back and all I thought is what my ex said is that I have very bad genetics.
  
  In 2020 I had my second son Riley Jay I lost my mucus plug and it was bloody tinged with abit of green,gross I know. I didn’t go into labour….I noticed my babies movements stopped moving I was in the hospital and called the midwife and she called for an emergency induction after doing a scan.
  I had my induction at 12am my son was born at 1:06am
  
  2021 I fell pregnant with my first daughter I had just a green mucus discharge she came a week late! Unbelievable I know,but she was good for a autistic for a baby girl.
  The cramps got worse and when the ambulance came they tried to get me to walk me to the ambulance and all I remember is my waters broke on my exs shoes lol 😂
  
  2022 I had my second baby girl I didn’t know she was coming, I had no signs,nothing but what I did have was a mermaid birth and it felt absolutely horrible without pain relief.
  
  2023 I’m now pregnant again with my current partners offspring and he is proud to finally be a dad as this is first time he is a father.
  I haven’t lost my mucus plug or had a bloody show or anything, which is making me panic! Will it be that my baby comes how my last daughter did.
  I pray not.
  I pray my baby is all in gods health,care and safety.
  
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Tifanny Baloc Aug 25 at 6:56 pm

I lost mine right at the end just before I started pushing. Daughter was born about 45 minutes later

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Jean Borrero Aug 14 at 9:37 am

With my first pregnancy I lost my mucus plug over the course of 5 days and then my water broke at exactly 38 wedks. This is my 2nd pregnancy, I’m 38 weeks pregnant now and I’ve noticed Alot of mucus the past 2 days. I’m hopong this means labor is right around the corner.

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Wilmie Aug 9 at 12:25 am

Lost plug just now 🙂 40 weeks + 1 day, second baby, fingers crossed she will get born today! Xx

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Monique Morris Aug 8 at 10:37 am

I have 6 kids but all there labor was alil diffrent 4 and last all water broke. And 2 and 6 with the plug came out the 1st on was over due. And my second son was bleeding had him at 8mos pregnant so it was all hit and miss.

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Amber Bingham Aug 6 at 12:55 pm

I lost my mucus plug around 37 weeks and i think i just lost more..but im going to be 40 weeks tomorrow….is it possible to regenerate this late in pregnancy? or did i just not lose it all…this is my first child…

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- Team Mama Natural Aug 7 at 9:24 am
  
  It’s possible for the mucus to regenerate and/or for you to have only lost part of it, or that you lost all of it and labor just hasn’t started yet! Unfortunately the loss of all or part of the mucus plug is not a good indicator of when labor will begin. The lead up to birth can be tricky.
  
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Monica Jul 15 at 3:44 am

I lost my mucus plug at 33weeks and still no contractions or signs of labor. This is my 3rd baby but I have 13yrs in between since my second baby so it’s all new to me again. I don’t really know what to expect.

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- Genevieve Mama Natural Jul 15 at 3:02 pm
  
  It can grow back again so it doesn’t necessarily mean birth is around the corner. Be sure to share with doctor or midwife.
  
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Alexandra Ibarra Jul 11 at 8:56 am

Im 34 weeks 2 days lost my mucus plug saturday morning since the day i lost my mucus plug i have been bleeding dark blood is this normal? For how long will this keep happening?

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- alexus Jul 15 at 10:11 pm
  
  You should go to ER asap, bleeding dark blood is not normal
  
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Linda Jul 8 at 8:49 am

I’m 29 weeks pregnant with my forth baby and never see it with the other three l, but had my two younger two early.One at 30 weeks and the other at 34 weeks pregnant, haven’t been getting bad pains but have been having braxston hicks for about 4 weeks now ,hope little one stays in there abit longer than the other prem babies

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- Kristi L Ruge Aug 11 at 8:50 pm
  
  Did you end up going into labor?
  
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Haadiah Turner Jul 6 at 11:12 pm

I’ll be 31 weeks in two days and I just lost my mucus plug and it looked like a condom hanging out of me and was thick enough for me to pull the rest of it completely out without it tearing apart.

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- sagen Sep 6 at 1:15 am
  
  So I am 32 weeks pregnant. On the 29th of August I went to the bathroom and what looked like a glue stick (used for hot gun glue) fell out. I wasn’t sure what it was and felt fine afterwards so I coutiuned my work shift. The next day I went to work but everyone was concerned and said I should at least call the doctor and let them know. So I did and was told to go to triage right away. They confirmed that it was my muscus plug but I have never seen on look like that before. The last three days I have been feeling sick to my stomach with no appetite. Shaky, hot, fatigued, etc. Also, been feeling what seems to be period cramps but still nothing.
  
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Haadiah Turner Jul 6 at 11:08 pm

I lost my mucus plug at 36 weeks with my daughter and have her at 38 weeks. im now 30 weeks into my second pregnancy and I just lost my mucus plug, I read that usually u go into labor fast after u lose ur mucus plug if it’s not your first pregnancy I hope that isn’t true it’s too early for him to come

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Sonia Docherty Jul 6 at 3:14 am

I’m only 31 weeks pregnant today, 3rd baby. With my first I don’t remember seeing any kind of mucus throughout the whole pregnancy and labour. With my 2nd baby it was coming out in bits about 3 or 4 weeks before labour , when I got to the hospital with her because of contractions I was dilating (6cm) but waters wasn’t breaking so the midwife gave me the sweep , I went to the bathroom and the rest of it fell out at once. But today, this morning I went to the bathroom feeling quite period pain like, and quite a large amount of mucus came out , not the whole lot but enough to make me wonder if I’m going to make it full term, expecially with cramping too.

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Crystal Jun 20 at 11:27 am

I have 3 daughters and I only remember seeing my mucus plug with my 2nd child. It was like a thick discharge that was the size of the palm of my hand. I went to the hospital soon after that and found out I was 3cm. I delivered my baby later that night.

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Latia Johnson Jun 16 at 7:47 am

Well I am 39 weeks as of today, and I lost my mucus plug this morning…. I have a lil cramping going on now but no contractions, Tuesday I was 3cm dilated and 75% effaced so I don’t think it will be long before my labor starts, anywho I’ll come back later with an update as to when I really do start labor…. Anxious

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Adianez Jun 16 at 5:26 am

I’m about to be 38 weeks this Sunday still havent lost my mucus plug. This article is very helpful! My doctor brought up loosing my mucus plug that it a normal thing & what not but never gave me much information about it especially about how it looks like. This is my first pregnancy so I was really confused about what I’m looking for. I keep checking sometimes I get a little confused trying to figure out if it’s discharge or my water broke or if it’s my mucus plug. My due date is July 2nd so baby is close to coming so getting more nervous & excited. But, do you have to loose your mucus in order to go into labor or can you go into labor & still not loose your mucus plug?

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- Team Mama Natural Jun 23 at 1:36 pm
  
  No, it can happen at any time before baby is born, even during labor.
  
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Jai Jun 14 at 12:41 am

So this is my 2nd pregnancy I’m about 22-23wks. I think I just lost some of my plug if not all of it. I don’t have any symptoms of premature labor, currently. Should I be concerned? I am a high risk pregnancy, but mostly for stress related things. This is new to me. My first pregnancy nothing happened and everything was forced and induced. This time around it seems like I have experienced the full effect… everything from servere all day everyday morning sickness, round ligament stretching pain, backpain, acid reflux, tons of food adversion, some of everything and now this. I just hope the mucus regenerates and she continues to develop properly. I don’t want to go to the Dr unless I need too.

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- Jessica Oct 20 at 6:10 pm
  
  Did your little girl make it? I’m 22 weeks about to be 23 tomorrow and I got Saturday a UTI and didn’t get to start taking pills for it till the day after Monday I’m still taking them but I’ve been seeing pieces of my plug for 3 or 4 days now very small but I’m having to go to the bath room every minute or so I was about to give birth to my little girl the day after Monday cause of my UTI my bladder was very full and I was having lots of close contractions because of the UTI and she was wanting to go down I’m really worried she is going to be my first baby and me and my husband have a name for her I don’t want to lose my little angel :'(
  
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Shawntequa Thomas Jun 10 at 4:13 pm

Today is june 10, 2017. I lost a big substance of my mucus plug. It was yellowish.thick n long. But over the last 2 weeks little pieces been coming out. Now today i think its the real deal a little scared if contractions start n my water brake but so far nothing?. Im due june 15th.

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tinomama Jun 9 at 8:55 am

With my first child I lost my mucus plug a day before going into labor. It was the typical bloody, boogerie looking plug shown in pictures and it came out a couple times when I was going to the bathroom. Just this morning, now onto child number two, an off-whitish glob came out, so we’ll see how long until this labor and delivery goes down!

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Chay May 28 at 4:15 pm

I’m 38+6 weeks. I lost my mucus plug 2 nights ago at midnight and then again last night. The first one was 100%clear about 4 cms and the second one was slightly pink… I’m waiting to see what happens next!!

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Christine May 26 at 7:54 am

I’ve been releasing bits of my plug since two days ago and just released a lot of it at 2am today. It looks clear to white and there’s no blood. I’m 40 weeks and 1 day. Irregular small contractions started two days ago as well, but not feeling too many of them anymore, so no active labor yet. Just waiting to see what happens now.

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- Priscilla Jun 4 at 2:05 pm
  
  I’m in the same boat. I’m exactly 40 weeks, today is my due date, first baby. I’ve been losing small amounts of mucus plug in the last 4-5 days and have had small contractions for about 2 weeks now. They do feel a little stronger more recently but not close together. No blood no spotting but some cramps that come and go that feel like I’m on my period. Wondering when this little one is coming hoping it’ll be soon, can’t wait to meet him!
  
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Alexandra Henry May 24 at 3:50 pm

For my first three children, my mucus plug came out and I went into labor shortly after. But my 4th and with this pregnancy my mucus plug came out at around 36, 37 weeks. With current pregnancy, the plug is coming out slowly and weeks apart. Weird!!!

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- Melissa May 25 at 11:30 pm
  
  Hey this is my 4th kids and my mucus plug broke and it was like. Yellow wat do that main
  
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Kianna May 19 at 4:35 pm

My mucus plug came out at 38 weeks. It wasn’t watery or bloody. It just looked like a glob. I’m still waiting to see what happens next.

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Misty May 15 at 10:25 pm

I have had 2 babies and I lost the plus at 31 weeks with both of them. Fortunately, I was able to keep both of them inside until into the 39th week. But from when I lost the plug, I had painful contractions day and night ranging from 4 an hour to 4 every minute. It was exhausting both times.

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Tracie K May 12 at 6:43 pm

Does anyone have any experience with this in regards to missed miscarriages? I’ve been playing the waiting game now for about 4 weeks, waiting to naturally expel (not really interested in medication or surgical assistance). Passing what I think is this mucus plug, could this be an indication that my body is finally aware that the pregnancy has gone amiss- and will begin doing what it needs to do to expel? I know this probably isn’t the place to ask, but figured I’d give it a shot to see if anyone could give their 2 cents.

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- Mary Beth Tapia May 16 at 5:45 pm
  
  I am very concerned for you. I know you don’t want assistance but this could be dangerous for you. How do you know you have misscarried?
  
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- Sonia Martinez May 22 at 10:06 am
  
  I lost mine couple hours before passing the empty sack so don’t worry it kinda happens altogether.
  
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Kacee May 2 at 6:23 am

With my first I lost my mucus plug at 36 weeks I was worried to see blood etc and went to the hospital. My water broke when I arrived and I had her 4 hours later.
Second pregnancy have lost mucus plug at 38 weeks today so just waiting to see what happens next! Exciting!

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nassa Apr 26 at 12:10 pm

I lost my mucus plug last Sunday, still seeing it till now, no active labour, but having contraction that comes and go, and am already in my 40weeks today, please what should I do.

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Sabrina Apr 17 at 3:42 pm

Wow, I am really glad I found this site. Sad to say I am 32 wks with my second child, I know what a mucus plug is (I lost mine about 24 hrs before my son was born) but I’m still looking it up to make sure this nasty clear substance isn’t the mucus plug lol, every pregnancy is different, but I was in labor a whole day before I even knew. When I finally did go to the hospital I realized I was about an hour away from a home delivery, as I was 8.2 cm dilated (and never knew I was having contractions, I thought it was Braxton Hicks, plus I was only 36 wks & thought no way my child will come early). So I’m super paranoid this time plus for anyone that doesn’t know what to look for, the pics (no matter how icky) REALLY HELPED!! I’ve read all the books, I’ve did all my research, my mom’s been a midwife for the past 10 years, but sometimes you need a few pics lol GREAT, GREAT ARTICLE!! Thanks for the info guys!!

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Tiffany Apr 16 at 12:34 pm

I want to add, in addition to my mucus plug comment, this article was great. One of the most informative on music plugs that I have seen yet! Thank you so much!

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Tiffany Apr 16 at 4:21 am

With my first, I lost my mucus plug and three days later my water broke at home and he was born 4 hours after that at 38 weeks.

With my second, I was having mild contractions at 37 weeks and then pieces of my mucus plug came out around 7pm at night. Contractions picked up and I went to L&D and my water broke at 1:30am and he was born at 2:15am. So about 7 hours after plug started coming out.

With the twins, I had Pre-e and water broke at 34 weeks and they were born 5 hours later. I never saw a plug.

With this baby (final one!) I started to have a pieces come out, and then tonight I lost the whole thing. I am 40 + 2 weeks pregnant. I guess time will tell!

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Clara Apr 15 at 10:48 am

So helpful! Grateful to the team

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Natasha Mar 29 at 12:06 am

I lost my mucus plug excatly at 38 weeks and I have no sign at all of labor and this we’ll be my second pregnancy. Never new anything about a mucus plug with my first pregnancy until now .

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Abby Mar 27 at 2:40 am

Thankful for all the helpful natural posts and comments! First baby 37 weeks 3 days pregnant! Are my husband and I still safe to have intercourse at this point? So far good and safe pregnancy no complications, no mucus plug yet that I know of although my discharge has increased lately.. ?

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- Team Mama Natural Mar 31 at 9:06 am
  
  intercourse is usually fine if the mucus plug hasn’t come out. However, check with your doctor or midwife for your specific needs.
  
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- April Apr 29 at 9:31 am
  
  Great question…Me and my husband have had intercorse I was 35 weeks and dilated 3cm..I found out at 35 weeks…I am now 37 weeks and still 3cm…however today I lost my mucus plug so I think we will hold off…
  
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Taylor Mar 17 at 1:22 pm

I’m 37 wks. Its been a strange 1st pregnancy.
My cervix has shrunk to .6
Not enough fluid.
Been dilated 3 for weeks.
Been losing my plug for mths.
Stomach never measured correctly
Dr’s aren’t too concerned.
Hope all is well…..
Pls say a prayer for me…..

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Kandice Mar 6 at 10:50 am

Currently I am 39 weeks pregnant with my fourth little one and still waiting for anything to happen. However, with my last pregnancy my mucus plug came out during a trip to the ladies room. In my experience, 3 hours later I was having my son on my bedroom floor. I’m hoping for a less dramatic and intense labor this time. Lol. So we shall see in due time.

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- Halley N. Bowen Mar 10 at 10:11 pm
  
  Baby yet ?
  
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Amanda Mar 2 at 5:52 pm

I am 35 weeks & 5 days pregnant with my 2nd child. I was induced with my first and never saw a plug of any sort. With this one I’ve noticed a mucousy discharge happening sporatically for weeks now, however, I just saw my doctor 3 days ago when she told me that I am 1cm dialated and about 50% thinned out (which I was also with my first around this time but he wasnt born until 4 days prior to my actual due date). Anyways, just went to bathroom a little over an hour ago and am pretty sure i lost my plug -totally reminded me of a snot like substance for sure. Ick. No pain & my water is still intact-just a little nervous (also happen to be diabetic with this one where as I wasnt with #1). Guess it’s the waiting game for this lady. ? I’ll try to remember to keep ya’ll posted & let ya know when my lil man arrives!!

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Constance Feb 27 at 11:14 pm

Hi! M 30weeks pregnant now n i jst went 2 the toilet,when wiping i saw a mucus plug bt it ws clear so i dnt knw wht might be the problem.plz help

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- Sabrina Apr 17 at 3:41 pm
  
  Wow, I am really glad I found this site. Sad to say I am 32 wks with my second child, I know what a mucus plug is (I lost mine about 24 hrs before my son was born) but I’m still looking it up to make sure this nasty clear substance isn’t the mucus plug lol, every pregnancy is different, but I was in labor a whole day before I even knew. When I finally did go to the hospital I realized I was about an hour away from a home delivery, as I was 8.2 cm dilated (and never knew I was having contractions, I thought it was Braxton Hicks, plus I was only 36 wks & thought no way my child will come early). So I’m super paranoid this time plus for anyone that doesn’t know what to look for, the pics (no matter how icky) REALLY HELPED!! I’ve read all the books, I’ve did all my research, my mom’s been a midwife for the past 10 years, but sometimes you need a few pics lol GREAT, GREAT ARTICLE!! Thanks for the info guys!!
  
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- Tess Mar 18 at 8:48 pm
  
  Did you end up carrying to full term? I lose mine today and am 33 weeks and a little nervous
  
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Emilia Feb 24 at 4:31 am

Please help, I need some advice.
I’m 40 weeks today, and have had period like pain for the last 2 days and lost my mucus plug yesterday. Since then I have brownish discharge.

I’m in so much period like pain. But it’s not contractions.

Called the hospital a few times and they keep telling me to take panadol and rest.

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Starr Johnson Feb 1 at 5:45 pm

I’m currently preggo with number 4 with my last I lost my mucus plug and went into labor that night this time Ive lost it and have zero signs of labor starting so we will see

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Nadine Jan 26 at 9:34 am

It has been a true blessing to stumble across your blog and then to receive subsequent week by week updates from you Mama Natural ?.
I adore your birth affirmations and have been listening to them regularly. I didn’t have the luxury of this wealth of knowledge or encouragement with my first child and am truly grateful for this inspiring resource. Not long to go now! So here’s to a true mama natural experience! GB x

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- Genevieve Jan 27 at 10:45 am
  
  Awesome and thank you for the feedback Nadine. Best wishes to you, and look forward to hearing your birth story about how you rocked your delivery!
  
  Reply
  - Karen Feb 6 at 11:09 am
    
    Very helpful information..Thank you so much
    
    Reply
Melody Jan 25 at 2:12 pm

I lost mine while on the toilet. At first, I thought it was just the plug, but then liquid kept coming out. My water broke right after losing my plug! I went to the hospital a few hours later. 34 hours of labor though!

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- Melody Jan 25 at 2:16 pm
  
  I was 38 weeks when I went into labor
  
  Reply
  - Athenia Feb 10 at 9:19 am
    
    When you had went to your previous appointment at 37 weeks did they say if you were effaced or even dilated because.. I’m now 37 weeks and 4 days and I went to my appointment yesterday and they told me I wasn’t dilated or effaced at all… and Im more then sure I’ve been losing my mucas plug for like a week or two.
    
    Reply
Fix Your Skin Jan 17 at 10:57 pm

This is one of those things that I’ve always wondered but never bothered to look up. A very informative post! Thanks.

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Michele Jan 16 at 3:27 pm

When I was in labor with my son, early labor contractions only caused some back pain when I was lying down. Once I stood up, I felt fine, so I didn’t think I was in actual labor. I was taking a shower around 7:45am and, as I was washing my lady parts, I felt something emerging from my vagina. I went to pull it out & it stretched all the way up over my head, and as I looked up at the long, stretchy, silly sludge strand of mucus, I exclaimed, “Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.” And that’s how I knew I was in labor! I went into transition shortly thereafter, which was intense, but not painful. We spent 45 minutes stuck in a cab getting to the birthing center. When I arrived, I was 8.5cm dilated. I stripped naked, hopped in the birthing tub and started pushing at 10:20am. My son was born at 10:39am.

The actual labor and birth of my son was painless and beautiful. At times, it was intense and difficult; pushing was very hard.

Afterward, I had some bleeding from a small hole in my vaginal wall, and it took them 3 hours to find and stitch the source, during which time I was give dozens of unnecessary stitches in my vaginal wall. My perineum was intact. I had declined the local due to – oh the irony – fear of needles because initially they thought I only needed a couple stitches & used topical anesthetic. The stitches were torture, something that I desperately wish to avoid this time around. I wish I could have a home birth, but I can’t afford the midwife. 🙁

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Tammy Matheson Jan 16 at 8:51 am

This is my second baby. I have been having contractions since my 36th week. Yet the plug is slowly coming out. I have had a bit of bleeding with this one. Could that be a sign she will come earlier than planned? Due date is February 12th.

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Ana Reyes Jan 10 at 3:21 pm

I am 38 weeks pregnant and I saw mine last night, today I just so happen to have a doctors appointment and was told I was 1cm dilated. This is my first pregnancy and a bit nervous about going into labor before my moms arrival to help out. Can someone share some words of wisdom?

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- Daniell Jan 12 at 11:32 am
  
  Dont stress momma!! I think being nervous is totally normal. I’m a little nervous at 37 weeks with my 3rd and you’d think I’d be more relaxed about everything.
  I am dilated 1 cm already and am just at 37 weeks. Doesn’t necessarily mean baby is coming soon, just our bodies getting ready.
  And try not to stress about your mom coming to help. Her help will be awesome wether she makes it for the birth or even a few weeks after. You are capable of handling anything that comes your way. you ARE strong enough and you will be a great first time mama!
  Have faith in yourself and know you can do anything!!
  
  Reply
ashlii Jan 7 at 4:42 am

Im 39 weeks +2 days and I just lost my mucus plug today. Contractions and back pain started right after but still bearable. Water hasn’t broken as yet. What’s next? First time pregnancy.

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Amanda Jan 5 at 12:52 pm

I’m 33+3 and I think I’m losing my mucus plug, this pregnancy has been rough towards the end with aches and pains I didn’t have with my first. Last night I was also up and down with symptoms I can only relate to the flu. Could that maybe have something to do with some of my plug coming out? Also, didn’t have any on the toilet paper I used but when I looked in the toilet there was basically a clump of it, no blood or anything just the mucus. I have an appointment on Tuesday with my OB, should I wait till then to tell him and see what happens/what he says? Or should I call him and give him a heads up/see if he wants to see me sooner?

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Samia Dec 30 at 4:42 am

Hi I am 40 weeks pregnant I lost my mucus plug 3 days till now I am having pink watery discharge with small dot of blood but no sign of contraction and no pain for labor what I will do?

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Cynthia Allen Dec 27 at 10:40 pm

With my fourth child and three weeks past my due date my MD removed my mucus plug so labor would start. I delivered my son 10 hours later.

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Carla Taylor Dec 12 at 12:51 am

Just lost my mucus plug, ? in wipes on tissue after a wee. 0630 on my due date 40 weeks! Whoop. Wee pain in my tummy.

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Jazmin Dec 5 at 1:05 pm

Just lost my mucus plug. This is my second child I didn’t notice it with the 1st. I’m currently 38 weeks and now I guess I’m just waiting to see what happens next!

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Grace Nov 18 at 7:20 pm

I’m pretty sure I lost my mucus plug this morning. I’m currently 38 weeks and 1 day. But I haven’t had as much fetal movement as I usually do and my stomach is super hard and tender in some places. Any advice?

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little angel Nov 18 at 3:54 pm

Am 40 weeks today, and I lost some mucus plug bloody brown thick mucus, am still waiting if that could be labor.

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Heather Nov 1 at 5:37 pm

I am 37 weeks and i just lost my mucas plug at 2:00 pm today my due date is november 18th. This is my 4th child so i know ill be having our daughter probably witjin the next 24 to 48 hours i am having contractions but they are not strong right now and baby is moving like crazy making me feel like shes going to break my water. At first i didnt know for sure if i lost my mucas plug till i wiped for the second time and seen the rest of it with some blood tinge in it. I never lost my mucas plug with my first child and my second child i lost it at 10 am and was in the hospital at 7pm that same night when my water broke. My third child i lost in pieces so it was hard to tell. So i know its only a few days away if not less when my princess will show her pretty face.

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Anastacia Nov 1 at 6:50 am

Hi, I lost my mucus plug this morning. I’m 35 weeks pregnant and a little bit worried not sure what to expect. Can anyone help?

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- Crystal Nov 2 at 6:57 am
  
  I am 35 weeks with my 4th and lost mine in yesterday am as well. My Ob office didn’t seem concerned. My c-section is scheduled for 11/30. I have never experienced this but my last 2 my water broke and I went into labor days before my scheduled c-section. Wondering what to expect at this point myself.
  
  Reply
Amanda Mercado Oct 20 at 3:54 pm

I will be exactly 39 weeks tomorrow and I just noticed that I lost my mucus plug it came out as I had to wipe six times to clean it was clear one of them had a blood streaks through it and the rest looks brownish but I only noticed because I had to go to the bathroom and when I wiped items just coming out

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Kin Sep 20 at 2:17 pm

I lost mine at work in the afternoon at 35 weeks. Baby was born at 9:15 the next morning. Important note about colour: brown in the mucous could be older blood, but could also be meconium, so get checked out if you are worried!

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Sarah R. Sep 15 at 2:01 pm

I lost my mucous plug during active labor. I made it to hospital an hour after losing it, and the nurses told me i was already dilated to 10cm!! It took 8 minutes to push her out, in between a couple contractions of course. Btw it was all natural, there was no time for epidural or anything!!
This was my 6th pregnancy, 4th vaginal birth. I had 2 csections before this one.

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Sarah Sep 14 at 9:45 am

I am currently trying to conceive (I have 3 boys- and have had 3 miscarriages), and my period has been messed up since 2010 (after my second miscarriage). So I would not be able to tell you when my last period was- sometimes it comes every two weeks, sometimes it skips a month, sometimes it lasts 2-3 weeks when it starts- it is all messed up.
This morning I had gone to the bathroom and when I wiped I passed a VERY thick mucus clot that had just a small tinge of red blood at the end. It looked JUST like the picture to the left in this article. Now I am cramping. The day before yesterday (Monday) I had some brown blood spotting. It lasted the day.
This is not the eggwhite mucus stuff- this was a thick thick thick rubbery mucus clot. Like I said, it looked EXACTLY like the picture to the left.
I took a test a test Saturday (Today is Wed) and it was negative.
What am I experiencing here? Never have passed something that large and thick. Should I see my doctor? Should I take another pregnancy test?
Thank you,
Sarah

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- Ashley Oct 10 at 7:59 am
  
  I get that right around time for ovulation when I am tracking. I always notice a mucus plug type deal before I ovulate, I attribute it to the cervix being open and soft during ovulation to let the swimmers in. I know this is about a month late but if you see this start watching for signs of ovulation to come soon or test with an ovulation predictor kit to see if this is the same for you. It doesn’t mean that I am ovulating but that ovulation will occur in the near future. Good luck mama! 🙂
  
  Reply
Kelsie Aug 10 at 8:04 am

Ahh! I am so excited.
I am 40+1 today, Wednesday, desperately wishing my little boy would come out.

Last Monday (about 9 days ago), I noticed that there was mucus on the toilet paper when I went to the bathroom. A small amount, and it only happened twice out of the 15 times I went pee. It was 100% clear and really gelatinous, about the size of the tip of my thumb.
I proceeded to expell that much or less every day.

On Friday night (5 days ago), my son dropped. I’ve lost very miniscule amounts of mucus since then and didn’t really know what to expect.

Buuuuuut… I got up this morning at 5:15 to go pee, and I had lost my full plug!! It was an amber/yellow color with pink mixed in, and definitely the size and consistency described here.

I had my membranes stripped at my OB’s office yesterday morning (my due date) and she said she was confident that my son would come before the week was over. But if not, we have an induction date set for Monday morning (I will be 40+6).

Anyway, after reading this, I am so pumped about losing my plug. Labor may be a ton closer than I thought, and I can’t wait to have my baby!!! It’s 6:00am now and I haven’t been able to go back to sleep. Who knows if I will. Lol.

I’ll try to remember to come back here and share how long it took for labor and delivery to happen. 🙂

Good luck to you other mommas!! <3

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- Kelsie Aug 10 at 8:06 am
  
  Oops, induction is Monday night at 10:00pm, not morning. Lol
  
  Reply
- Nette Aug 12 at 5:23 pm
  
  Wow – we are almost exactly mirroring each other! I’m at 40w2d, and:
  – saw some mucusy discharge starting last Friday (7 days ago) and a little bit most days since then (thought it was mucus plug, but likely not)
  – had membrane sweep two days ago on my due date of 8/10
  – lost mucus plus last night (day after ob appointment) and this morning, in two big blobs
  
  Maybe we’ll have babies that share a birthday! Good luck!
  
  Reply
- Samantha Aug 18 at 6:03 am
  
  Honestly, your article has been the most helpful on what is going on in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Monday (38 weeks 3 days) I had an internal with a membrane sweep with the “bloody show” and the next few days brown spotting, light but none the less brown discharge. I just lost my mucus plug this morning. I’ll be 39 weeks tomorrow and honestly have no clue what’s going on with my body haha. But your article helped me kind of figure things out- thank you!!!
  
  Reply
  - Samantha Aug 18 at 6:06 am
    
    Sorry I thought I was replying to the whole article not a specific comment.. Ugh, technology!
    
    Reply
Alisha Aug 6 at 4:18 am

Hi, I’m currently 40+4 weeks today, I’ve had 3 sweeps & lost my plug 3 times all in 24 hours, all clear with no blood so wouldn’t worry if it keeps coming or if you’ve had one & there’s no sign of labour, they’ve booked me in to be induce when I’m the full 42 weeks it’s horrible waiting ? But hopefully he will be here before then, but not coining on it they will come when there ready. ?

Good luck everyone x

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- Genevieve Aug 7 at 8:16 pm
  
  Good luck to YOU Alisha! ? Best wishes for an awesome birth!
  
  Reply
- Kelsie Aug 10 at 8:09 am
  
  What day is your induction? I was due August 9, they’re inducing me August 15 if my son doesn’t make an appearance before then.
  
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Nissa Jul 29 at 12:30 pm

My ob rupture my mucus plug with my first child and i had a c-section with my second. I am 36wks now and Im wondering if i will even lose my plug at all or can my water break without me losing it

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chelsie Jul 27 at 8:42 am

im 29weeks 3 days and just lost my plug. this is my 3rd child and even though i did not see the loss of my plug with my other 2 labor was quick for me once it started. im now nervous i am going into early labor and my anxiety is through the roof. any one else ever experience this?

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- Kelsie Aug 10 at 8:14 am
  
  I know a fair amount of women who have lost their plugs early on, multiple times, and everything was fine. The reason being that our bodies can/will regenerate the plug–like the article states 🙂
  Losing it doesn’t mean that you are dilating and effacing, so it isn’t a true indicator of labor. However, it is still possible, it just isn’t extremely likely.
  
  Sounds like you’d be about 29-30 weeks along now. I hope all is well!
  
  Reply
- Janice Oct 27 at 12:39 pm
  
  I lost my plug early with my first 2 pregnancies at 28/29 weeks. They regenerated and I gave birth at 36 and 37 weeks to each. With the first, I had a marble size glob roll down my leg and I rushed to the hospital to find out all was well. With the second, I found a long gooey rope of my plug hanging between my legs while showering. Since I had no other symptoms, I didn’t worry. Both incidents happened the day after intercourse. It definitely does regenerate!
  
  Reply
Brandy Jul 22 at 10:05 pm

I remember all too well with my first baby. About two weeks before delivery I was losing globs of it. Tmi maybe but there was one night I got out of the shower and there was a string of it all the way down to my knees and when I tried to wipe it off it was stuck and I literally had to yank it out and felt it clear all the way up to my cervix. It felt so gross. With my second and third babies I lost bits and pieces all third trimester. I’m 30 weeks with #4 and started to find little globs daily already. It really doesn’t seem to be a sign of impending labor for me.

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Amanda Jul 12 at 5:08 am

I am pregnant with my 5th child and I have NEVER seen my mucus plug pass until now. I am 38 weeks 3 days. I am already dilated to 3 and after the doctor checked me today I passed part of it and the rest a few minutes ago. I will update and let ya know if labor started! However at this stage in the game I think I’ll be going pretty soon! 🙂

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- Genevieve Jul 13 at 3:35 pm
  
  Best wishes to you Amanda! ❤️
  
  Reply
- NoKelsie Aug 10 at 8:16 am
  
  You didn’t update!!
  
  Reply
- Ashley Jul 20 at 8:54 pm
  
  What happened?
  
  Reply
babyryan Jul 10 at 3:48 pm

I’m 37 weeks pregnant with my second baby. I’ve had backache since Thursday night and I have lost my mucus plug this morning. Since losing the mucus plug I have tried to give it a kick start by going on a walk, vindeloo curry, sex and sitting on birthing ball etc. With my first baby I didn’t notice any plug and I was 10 days over due. The midwife had to break my waters for me. Will this baby come early? Just want him out now!

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- NoKelsie Aug 10 at 8:20 am
  
  I hope he didn’t come shortly after this comment. 37 weeks is far too early for complete development. You are technically full term at 37 weeks, but the full 40 is best due to the number of things your little one is still improving inside of the womb for those last 3 weeks. A lot of infants born shorty after the 37 week mark still have breathing troubles.
  
  Regardless, I hope labor and delivery went well!!
  
  Reply
  - SeriouslyWHY Sep 20 at 9:01 am
    
    This comment is fear mongering. You can’t stop labor just by wishing it to stop, so even if there is some merit to what you are saying, there is no need to stress the mama to be. Leave this sort of information up to the healthcare provider to relay as appropriate and only comment if you can be supportive and helpful. Plenty of 37 weekers are 100% fine and if that baby is coming out, your comments will only serve as a negative for that mother.
    
    Reply
    - Gioia Mar 12 at 1:30 pm
      
      Agree! My first baby decided to come at 36w+3d and was totally healthy and had no trouble breathing independently. Labor started with without any assistance; my water broke naturally and unexpectedly. Incidentally, the mucus plug had come out a few days to a week before. I’m not saying it’s ideal, but for goodness sakes, if it’s time then it’s time. I’m 36w now with baby #2, and starting to lose my mucus plug again. Wouldn’t be surprised if this baby also came a little early, but I’m not going to panic if this is my body’s “normal.”
      
      Reply
    - Janice Oct 27 at 12:43 pm
      
      My 36 and 37 weekers were born totally fine. They didn’t have any breathing issues and came home with me. They were both spontaneous births. My midwife says this may just be how my body works.
      
      Reply
Allyson Jun 26 at 9:34 am

With my first, I lost it 2-3 weeks before labor so 36-37 weeks or so) Went into labor at 39 +6 days

Second I lost it on Friday. At 32 weeks and 3 days.

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LeeAnna Jun 1 at 12:04 pm

I’m on baby #5 and I have never seen any mucus plug. My water has also never broken before labor, it consistently breaks while I’m pushing during delivery. I’m really weird I guess because none of my kids have engaged in my pelvis before labor either

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Cherie May 6 at 3:59 pm

While in early labor, I was in denial it was the real deal. I mean, where was the mucus plug!? As soon as I got into triage in the hospital, my water broke. When I changed into the grown is when I saw a big huge blob of a plug in my underwear. It waited to come out until my waterbroke and 30 minutes later my baby was born!

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Megan Apr 9 at 2:50 pm

With my first baby, it came out in the midwife’s hand during an internal exam. I didn’t go into labor for weeks, and even then it was pitocin induced. Never saw it with my second. He said as induced too early in my totally correct opinion. I’m having a home birth this time, so we’ll see.

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Katrina Apr 2 at 11:47 am

With my baby I lost my plug on Christmas evening and I went into labor the next morning at 5:30. My plug looked like an off white string of snot with some brown blood in it. I was only 33 weeks along and didn’t know what was happening because it was my first child so I didn’t go to the hospital for 3 hours.

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Patricia Apr 1 at 11:52 pm

I lost my mucous plug when my water broke with both deliveries. I never got see what it looked like until now!

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Jessica Mar 18 at 8:45 pm

Do you think that cervical examinations can affect the mucus plug?

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- Team Mama Natural Mar 19 at 7:30 am
  
  It is possible, yes, which is why we recommend limiting vaginal exam whenever possible.
  
  Reply
- Megan Apr 9 at 2:52 pm
  
  I lost mine during an exam. Came out in her hand.
  
  Reply
- Aimee May 7 at 6:18 pm
  
  Good question
  
  Reply
Kristin Mar 18 at 7:52 pm

I just recently gave birth to my son on March 1st (my first) at 41+2 days. That Sunday, I walked 4 brisk laps around a track, did a few minutes of lunges and vaginally inserted 2 capsules of evening primrose capsules (as recommended by my midwife earlier that day). I started having my first contractions about 10 hours later and lost my mucus plug 5 hours after that. Was in active labor within hours and baby boy arrived! The mucus plug was exactly what you see above and in my case, a definite sign baby was almost here!

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Sowise Mar 18 at 1:57 pm

Am 38 weeks gone today, lost my plug 3days ago, yet no dilation. Am so eager to meet my baby. I don’t know how much longer I’ll have to wait for active labor to start. Pls does anyone know what I can do about this? Or do I have to hang in there and wait?

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erickajen Mar 9 at 1:54 pm

with my first son, they broke my water and all of that so i dont remember ever seeing a plug.

with my daughter, i DEFINITELY had plug – about 11:30 pm the day before she was born – she was born around 8pm something.

with the baby i just had, i had plug for days. it was such torture! 😛 it was more like piddling around instead of the clump i had with my daughter 😛

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Emily Mar 8 at 9:04 pm

With each baby I lost it about three days before I gave birth. My son was six weeks early so that definitely wasn’t fun knowing I was gonna go so early. My daughter was just shy of 37 weeks. It was the only instance of heavy discharge so I knew what it was.

Reply

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Mucus Plug: Does Labor Start When You Lose it? (Photos)

Mucus Plug Video:

On this page…

What is the Mucus Plug?

What Does It Mean to Lose Your Mucus Plug?

What Does the Mucus Plug Look Like?

Is There a Difference Between Mucus Plug and Bloody Show?

Mucus Plug Vs. Early White Pregnancy Discharge

How Do You Know If You’ve Lost Your Mucus Plug?

How Long After You Lose Your Mucus Plug Do You Go Into Labor?

What to Do If/When You Lose Your Mucus Plug

Should I Call the Doctor After I lose My Mucus Plug?

Things To Avoid After Using Your Mucus Plug

When Do Women Normally Lose Their Mucus Plug?

Here’s an animation of what happens when you lose the mucus plug right before birth

What Happens If I Lose the Plug Early?

What to Do If You Think You’re In Labor

Recap

Mucus Plug Testimonials

My Experience With the Mucus Plug:

Other Natural Mamas’ Experience With the Mucus Plug:

Conclusion: What Does the Mucus Plug Look Like And What Does Losing It Mean?

Read This Next…

About the Author

Reviewed By Cynthia Mason, CNM, APN, MSN

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Reviewed By
Cynthia Mason, CNM, APN, MSN