What Is a Mucus Plug?

As labor approaches, you may hear about the mucus plug, but don't worry—it's a completely normal part of pregnancy. The mucus plug forms early in pregnancy to protect your baby from infections, acting as a barrier in your cervix. Some parents might not even notice when they lose their mucus plug, while others may experience changes in discharge. Understanding what a mucus plug is, what it looks like, and how long after losing the mucus plug labor might start may help you feel more prepared as your due date approaches.

What Is the Mucus Plug?

The mucus plug is a natural part of pregnancy, forming early on to protect your baby. As mucus accumulates in the cervix, it creates a plug that acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria from entering the uterus and helping to reduce the risk of infection. You can think of it like a seal between your uterus and vagina, working quietly throughout your pregnancy. Sometimes, the mucus plug is referred to as the “bloody show” due to the possibility of it mixing with a small amount of blood when released. This can give the mucus plug discharge a pink, red, or even brown hue.

Mucus Plug vs Bloody Show

The terms “mucus plug” and “bloody show” are often used interchangeably, but there can be a distinction between them. The mucus plug generally refers to a thick, clear, jelly-like discharge that forms in your cervix during pregnancy to help block bacteria from entering the uterus. When the plug is released, it may come out as clear or be tinged with blood. If blood is present, it’s often referred to as the bloody show.

The mucus plug color can vary from clear to pink, red, or brown, depending on whether it’s mixed with blood. This color variation is completely normal and is often a sign that your body is preparing for labor. Whether you describe it as losing your mucus plug or experiencing the bloody show, your healthcare provider will understand. You can always describe what you see if you're unsure which term to use.

Mucus Plug vs Discharge

While the mucus plug and vaginal discharge may appear similar, they serve different purposes during pregnancy. The mucus plug is a protective barrier that forms in the cervix early in pregnancy, sealing off the uterus from bacteria and potential infections. On the other hand, vaginal discharge is a more common occurrence throughout pregnancy and may be thin, milky, and odorless. This discharge, known as leukorrhea, helps keep the vagina clean and free from infection.

When it comes to mucus plug discharge, the consistency tends to be much ticker, resembling jelly, and may be tinged with blood as it prepares to release. In contrast, regular vaginal discharge will not have the same thick, jelly-like texture, nor will it typically contain blood.

What Does a Mucus Plug Look Like?

The appearance of the mucus plug may vary from person to person. Some people might notice it all at once, either as one large glob or thick string, while others may see it come out in smaller pieces over time. You may spot it on toilet paper after wiping, but it's also possible not to notice it at all.

For most, the mucus plug will be:

• Clear, off-white, or slightly bloody with a pink, red, or brown hue.

• Thick, clear, jelly-like discharge, and slightly sticky or stringy.

• Typically about 1-2 inches in length and around 1-2 tablespoons in volume.

• Relatively odorless.

If you notice heavier bleeding—similar to a menstrual period—this might not be the mucus plug but something that requires medical attention. Always contact your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

Some parents find it helpful to compare their experience using a mucus plug color chart, especially if they notice a brown mucus plug or unusual hues like a green mucus plug.

When Do You Lose Your Mucus Plug?

Losing your mucus plug is a common sign that your cervix is beginning to dilate (open). As your cervix dilates, the mucus plug is pushed out into the vagina, which might indicate that labor is approaching or it may simply be an early sign that labor is on the horizon.

It often happens around the last few weeks of pregnancy, especially if you're 38 or 39 weeks pregnant. Some people might lose it earlier, while others might not notice it until labor begins.

If you're 39 weeks pregnant and losing your mucus plug, it may be a sign that labor starts soon, but it’s not always immediate. You can contact your healthcare provider for advice on what to do next, but unless you're also experiencing contractions or water breaking, you may not need to rush to the hospital immediately.

It can come out in one large glob, over a few days in smaller pieces, or even without you noticing. If you're concerned about how to handle it, rest assured, there’s nothing you need to do. Your body will naturally expel it when it’s time.

To learn more about other common signs of labor, visit our detailed article for more.

How Do I Know If I Lost My Mucus Plug?

You’ll know you’ve lost your mucus plug if you notice a discharge that’s thicker and stickier than usual. The color may range from clear to pink, red, or even brown mucus plug. It may come out in one large glob or smaller pieces over time. You might see it on toilet paper or in your underwear, but it's also possible to lose it without realizing.

The key difference is the texture and color of the discharge compared to your normal pregnancy discharge. If you see any heavy bleeding or are unsure, reach out to your healthcare provider.

What Happens When You Lose Your Mucus Plug?

Losing your mucus plug is a sign that your body is preparing for labor, but it doesn’t mean labor will start immediately. When the mucus plug dislodges, it’s a signal that your cervix is beginning to soften and dilate. This is a normal process as your body gets ready for birth.

After losing the mucus plug, you might experience other signs of labor, such as contractions or your water breaking. However, it’s possible for labor to still be days or even weeks away. If you notice any heavy bleeding or other unusual symptoms after losing your mucus plug, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

How Long After Losing the Mucus Plug Does Labor Start?

Although losing the mucus plug is possibly a sign of labor, it doesn’t always mean labor will start right away. The mucus plug may come loose several days or even one or two weeks before labor begins. In some cases, the mucus plug might not come out until the very onset of labor. Since every pregnancy is different, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

If your pregnancy reaches full term, you’ll most likely lose your mucus plug in the 9th month of pregnancy. However, if you notice the mucus plug before 37 weeks, it may be a sign of preterm labor, and you should reach out to your healthcare provider right away.

In many cases, contractions will start soon after you lose the mucus plug. Tracking your contractions may help provide accurate information for your healthcare provider. You can use this handy, printable contraction tracking chart to monitor them. For more guidance on labor prep, check out our resource on how to time contractions.

Things to Avoid After Losing Mucus Plug

In most cases, there are no specific restrictions after you lose your mucus plug, especially if you are full-term and your water hasn’t broken. Losing the mucus plug is a normal part of preparing for labor, and there are generally no activities that need to be avoided unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. Mucus plug discharge is a sign that your body is preparing for labor, but unless other labor signs follow (such as contractions or your water breaking), you can usually carry on with your normal activities.

The Bottom Line

Losing your mucus plug is a natural part of preparing for labor and may happen anywhere from a few weeks to just hours before labor begins. While it’s a sign that your cervix is changing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that labor will start immediately. Be sure to monitor other labor signs like contractions or your water breaking and reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns, especially if you lose the mucus plug before 37 weeks.

As you prepare for your baby's arrival, don’t forget to download the Pampers Club app for access to discounts and digital offers on diapers and baby essentials. It’s a great way to save on everything you’ll need once your little one is here!

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}