WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Loss of Mucus Plug: Labor is Coming?

Childbirth
Stages of labor
Loss of Mucus Plug: Is Labor Coming?
As you near the end of your pregnancy, you might encounter a sign that labor could be on the horizon: the loss of the mucus plug.
Understanding what this means can help you prepare for what's next.
Key Facts
The mucus plug is a protective barrier that seals the opening of the uterus during pregnancy. Losing it is a natural part of the body preparing for labor, but it doesn't always mean labor is immediate.
What, Why, How?
  • What: The mucus plug is a clump of cervical mucus that blocks the cervix during pregnancy to protect the uterus from bacteria. It can be clear, pink, slightly bloody, or brown.
  • Why: As the body prepares for labor and the cervix begins to soften and dilate, the mucus plug may dislodge.
  • How: You might notice the loss of the mucus plug during a bathroom visit as a thick, mucus-like discharge. It can come out in one blob or in several pieces.
Monitoring the Situation
While losing the mucus plug is a sign that your cervix is changing, it doesn't necessarily mean labor is imminent.
Some women lose their mucus plug weeks before labor starts, while others lose it as labor begins.
What to Do Next
If you believe you've lost your mucus plug:
  • Stay Calm: It's a normal part of the pregnancy process.
  • Monitor Other Signs: Pay attention to other labor signs, like contractions or your water breaking.
  • Notify Your Healthcare Provider: Especially if you're not yet full-term or if you notice significant bleeding or unusual discomfort.
Q&As
  1. Does losing the mucus plug mean I'm going into labor soon?
  2. Should I go to the hospital when I lose the mucus plug?
  3. What does the mucus plug look like?
  4. Can the mucus plug regenerate?
  5. Is there anything I can do to manage this process better?
The loss of the mucus plug is one of many milestones you might experience as you approach the birth of your child.
It's a sign that your body is doing exactly what it needs to prepare for the big day.
Stay observant, informed, and as always, consult with your healthcare team about any concerns. You're doing great, and every step brings you closer to meeting your little one!
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R
Renez
6 Feb 2024

Been here I. Labor and delivery since yesterday . Felt a pop today still at 3 cm 80% lost mucus plug and still having spotting if he coming I need him to come on I’m over it

Childbirth Stages of labor
1 comments
A
Anne
Oh are you delivering prematurely?
27 Mar 2024

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Hannah Watts
26 Dec 2023

Been losing a little bit of my mucus plug for the past 3 days now, does that mean labor is coming soon, I'm due in 4 days?

Childbirth Stages of labor
3 comments
R
Robin
Girl you might go between tonight and tomorrow
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amberly
Not necessarily I’ve been losing bits of mine for awhile now and my friend was losing hers for weeks before she had her baby. Bloody show is more what makes labor soon
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kendrea
13 Aug 2023

Loss my Mucus PLUG 🩷🤍 I’m 3cm Dilated I’m 35 weeks 🤞🏾 Just waiting On THE REAL LABOR to Come 🥹 #🤰🏾BABYBOY

Childbirth Stages of labor
9 comments
k
korrie
mbn i’m ready to get this labor over with i’m 34 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kendrea
Yes me too feels like forever 😔😩🤦🏾‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

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T
Trice
23 Jul 2023

Lost my mucus plug but now I feel like I have to poop but I don't is that labor coming?

Childbirth Stages of labor
1 comments
D
Danielle 🦦🪷
Indeed it is. Especially the feeling to poop. You either will poop and clear your system or the feeling is baby making their way with contractions
27 Mar 2024

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Ang 🖤
25 Jun 2023

When did you lose your mucus plug? 👀 and does that mean labor is coming right after? I have yet to lose mine.

Childbirth Stages of labor
4 comments
t
tt
Girl I am 38 weeks and 5 days and still haven’t lost mine🙃
27 Mar 2024

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🍑
🍑🌈Christina🌈🍑
My doc says it doesn't really mean anything even if you do lose it now,it's not a sign labors about tot start. Some don't lose it until you're in active labor I guess.
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashalon
2 Feb 2023

Okay Mucus Plug Still Coming Out But No Water Break Or Contractions Can I Still Be in Labor With No Pain 👀🤔🫣 38 Weeks?

Childbirth Stages of labor
1 comments
K
Keesh
No it’s jus a sign to get ready nd prepared
27 Mar 2024

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s
sophie
30 Jan 2023

I lost my mucus plug last night does this mean labor is coming soon? Feeling a lot of pressure and pains every now and then!

Childbirth Stages of labor
3 comments
A
Amber
Girl u better go to ER get checked
27 Mar 2024

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s
sophie
Definitely will just didn’t want to go and look crazy lol
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tracy
30 Jan 2023

I think I just lost my mucus plug, I'm going to spare you all the TMI details, I just hope that doesn't mean she's coming soon. I need to make it a couple more weeks. Anyone else go into labor soon after they lost their plug?

Childbirth Stages of labor
8 comments
M
Misty
I'm still waiting to lose mine. Are you having contractions?
27 Mar 2024

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Tracy
I'm having back pain and alot of downward pelvic pressure and uncomfortableness.
27 Mar 2024

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C
Celestina
5 Oct 2022

Had a membrane sweep this morning. Just lost my mucus plug. Baby might be coming soon! 🫣🤞🏼❤️

Childbirth Stages of labor
14 comments
A
Abigail
Did it hurt? Or just more uncomfortable than anything? Cause I go tomorrow for mine?
27 Mar 2024

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C
Celestina
Just uncomfortable It didn’t hurt 😢
27 Mar 2024

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A
Arrogant
3 Aug 2022

OUTSIDE OF YOUR MUCUS PLUG FALLING OUT… HOW DID YALL KNOW YALL WAS IN LABOR OR FELT LABOR WAS COMING?

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
D
Dani
I didn't have any signs with my first child until I started having painful contractions every 8 mins. A lot of women think they are having signs of labor when they are really having normal pregnancy symptoms. Labor is typically spontaneous. Mucus plugs can rebuild after they fall out and only 10% of women's water break
27 Mar 2024

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