Losing your mucus plug full#
Losing your mucus plug free#

The colour of the bloody show can range from pink to brown, to bright red blood coloured.Ī bloody show is usually an indication that labour is almost ready to start.

Losing your mucus plug free#

The mucus plug is transparent and mostly free of blood, whereas the bloody show is a combination of mucus and blood. Losing the mucus plug and having a bloody show are not the same thing, despite their close relationship.

Losing your mucus plug full#

In a nutshell, it’s a thick vaginal discharge that contains mucus and blood from the cervix The cervix is full of blood vessels, which makes it prone to bleeding. The term “bloody show” is often used to describe the presence of blood-tinged mucus (like creamy pink snot) that may be expelled from the vagina. Okay, so we mentioned the term “bloody show” before, so it’s only fair to provide a more detailed explanation of what it actually is!

Regular vaginal discharge is a normal part of the body’s self-cleaning mechanism and can occur throughout the menstrual cycle. Losing your mucus plug is often considered a sign that the body is preparing for labour, especially if it occurs in the later stages of pregnancy.Regular vaginal discharge is usually more subtle and can vary in amount throughout the menstrual cycle. The expulsion of the mucus plug is often a noticeable event, and you may see a larger amount of discharge than usual.The colour of the mucus plug can vary but is often clear, cloudy, or very slightly tinged with blood.

It may have a sticky or mucus-like texture.

The mucus plug is typically thicker and more gelatinous compared to regular vaginal discharge.

Here are a few ways to tell if you’re losing your mucus plug or if it’s just regular vaginal discharge. You might be wondering, okay great but how is mucus plug discharge different than regular discharge? How am I supposed to know the difference? Remember that not all women will have these exact symptoms and some women may not even notice the loss of their mucus plug because of the increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Pelvic pressure: As the cervix prepares for labour and begins to dilate and efface, you may experience increased pressure in your pelvic region or discomfort.

The texture can vary, but it is generally thicker than normal discharge. Mucus discharge: You may notice the passage of a mucus-like substance, sometimes in small amounts and at other times more noticeable. This discharge may be clear, cloudy, or even slightly bloody. Increased vaginal discharge: The mucus plug is a thick, gelatinous substance, so its loss can result in an increase in vaginal discharge. However, some common indications that it is happening include: The signs of losing your mucus plug will vary from person to person. The appearance of the mucus plug can vary from woman to woman. Located in the cervix, it is typically clear or cloudy, and it may be tinged with streaks of blood (more on that shortly). The mucus plug has a gelatinous and thick consistency, and its appearance can vary among women.

Pretty handy, right?Īdditionally, the mucus plug acts as a protective barrier against infections. This barrier can prevent bacteria and other potentially harmful substances from entering the uterus, thus protecting the developing fetus. Its primary function is to seal off the cervix, creating a barrier between the uterus and the external environment. The mucus plug is a collection of thick, jelly like mucus that forms in the cervix during pregnancy.