The Loss of Mucus Plug

To address the loss of mucus plug in pregnancy, let's  answer four questions-"What is the mucus plug in pregnancy?",  "How does the mucus plug act as a sign of labor, "What causes the loss of mucus plug?", and "How do you know if you're losing it?".

What is the mucus plug in pregnancy?

So, first things first. It as it sounds, a big glob that lodges in the cervical opening to act as your last line of defense against infection. It protects the uterus and your growing baby from bacterial infections. It can range in color from clear and slick like excessive discharge or can be brownish or greenish in color. In some women it is streaked with a little blood as well. Can't wait to see it, hmmm?

How does losing the mucus plug act as an early sign of labor?

Well, it does and doesn't, like so many other signs. It tells you that labor is coming nearer, but does not give you a time-frame. It could be hours, days, or even weeks away.

And here's another little-known fact-it can regenerate. Yep, if you start losing some, it can replenish itself to keep protecting the pregnancy from infection.

What causes the mucus plug to dislodge?

It is usually caused by the start of cervical changes like dilation and effacement. As the cervix starts to change to gear up for labor, it becomes dislodges and slowly starts to discharge.

How do you know if you're losing it?

Do I look like a therapist? Oh, you mean losing your mucus plug? Well, that I can answer.

You may not even notice. Yes, that's right. It can be a slow, drawn-out process or it can happen all at once. If the former occurs, you may not even notice but instead think you're just having a little more discharge than normal. If the latter scenario occurs, you may have a reaction similar to this:

YUCK!