Your mucus plug is a protective collection of mucus in the cervical canal. During pregnancy, the cervix secretes a thick, jelly-like fluid to keep the area moist and protected. This fluid eventually accumulates and seals the cervical canal, creating a thick plug of mucus. The mucus plug acts as a barrier and can keep unwanted bacteria and other sources of infection from traveling into your uterus.
Losing a mucus plug during pregnancy can be a precursor to childbirth. As the cervix begins to open wider in preparation for delivery, the mucus plug is discharged into the vagina. The time between losing the mucus plug and going into labor varies. Some women who pass a noticeable mucus plug go into labor within hours or days, while others may not go into labor for a few weeks.
You might experience several symptoms that labor is impending. Losing a mucus plug is one of them. But you could lose your mucus plug, and still carry your baby for several more weeks.
If you lose your mucus plus and experience the following symptoms of labor, you may be closer to delivering your baby. Lightening occurs when your baby starts to drop lower into your pelvis.
This effect makes it easier for you to breathe, but does cause your baby to press on your bladder more. Lightening does indicate that your baby is getting into a position that will support labor.
The fluid may be released in a tremendous rush, or it may come out in a slow, watery trickle. These contractions will become stronger, longer-lasting, and more frequent as the cervix dilates and softens in preparation for childbirth. The cervix must become thinner and stretched to allow your baby to pass through the birth canal. As your due date nears, your doctor will likely conduct a cervical check to estimate how effaced your cervix is.
Losing your mucus plug could mean labor is on the way. But when does it usually happen? And what if you lose your mucus plug early? After a woman conceives, a layer of mucus begins to block her cervix the opening of the uterus. This gooey substance protects the fetus from bacteria and infection during gestation, says Adeeti Gupta, M. Losing your mucus plug can be a surefire sign that labor is approaching —but when does it usually happen? Here's what expectant parents need to know.
Your mucus plug looks like a "gooey blob," says Dr. It can be thick, gelatinous, and yellowish-white—similar to blowing your nose during a bad cold. Your baby's digestive tract and lungs continue to form. Are you longing to see your baby's face on his or her birth day? You have a long way to go until then, but your baby's face is taking shape. The discharge is a mixture of blood and mucus, and it is a sign that a….
What to expect when losing your mucus plug. What is it? Why does it fall out? Other signs of labor When to call a doctor or midwife Summary The mucus plug is a thick clump of cervical mucus that forms during pregnancy, helping block the cervix.
What is the mucus plug? Share on Pinterest If a pregnant woman loses her mucus plug, it might mean that she is going into labor. What does it mean if the mucus plug falls out? Other signs of labor. When to call a doctor or midwife. Share on Pinterest People should contact a doctor if their water breaks. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What to know about membrane stripping. Why and how do doctors induce labor?
0コメント