When do you lose the mucous plus?

Question

When do you lose your mucous plug? I am 32 weeks right now and I thought I lost mine the other day but I'm not sure if it was it or not. Also, how early could I deliver my baby? This is my first pregnancy so I'm a little confused about it.

Answer 1

with my first two pregnancies I lost mine and then went into labor almost 2 weeks later with each of them. With my third baby I never lost it at all.  It looks like a hunk of mucous. Sometimes it is clear but each time mine was a brownish streaked with a pinkish color. You will be able to tell the difference between it and regular discharge. You can lose it all at once or you can lose it a little at a time. You can lose it 2-4 weeks b4 you go into labor so it isn't a very good indicator of when you will deliver.  But it does mean your body is getting ready :)

Answer 2

The answer is that it can really vary.  The mucus plug can also regenerate itself so losing some of it is not necessarily a sign of labor.

The real "loss" is usually accompanied by the "bloody show" which is usually quite distinct.  Not to TMI, but have you ever used a hot glue gun?  If so, think of the consistency of the glue when it's hot and melty.  That's what the mucus looks like - similar in color, stringy, and nearly opaque but not quite.  Then add in some pink and red blood.

If you did lose your plug and begin to contract at this point, you will want to go to the hospital and follow whatever directions you were given - ER, right up to the unit, etc.  They will want to try to stop your labor.  32 is still pretty early, although most preemies survive at that stage.  

Answer 3

It's possible that you lost it and are on your way to delivering this baby.  I had my 2nd baby at 35 weeks and she was perfect.  Call you doctor and go get checked, good luck!

Answer 4

i never lost my mucus plug my due date was may 11th with my first i went in to labor on that day and had him early morning the next day  a lott of people say that your first always comes late but i dont think that is true i didnt even know i was in labor when i went in my husband had to drag me there my water didnt break i thought it was false labo but i guess not good luck

Answer 5

you can loose it up to a month before birth...it looks like a huge booger and can come out all at once or in spurts...dont worry, its not bad to loose it early.

Answer 6

Call the doctor.  you probably are there now!  congrats because Baby is a comin'!