Losing the mucus plug is one of the physical changes some women undergo before actual labor begins. As the cervix effaces and dilates, capillaries often rupture and tints the mucus pink or streaks it with blood. The thick mucus has been blocking the opening to the cervix since the early part of pregnancy. As the due date approaches, this plug dislodges, breaks up and passes out of the pregnant woman's body. When this happens it is clear your body is preparing for labor. Labor can however commence within hours for some but most probably can take up to days for many.

The Facts

&bull Your cervix is responsible for producing the cork of mucus which will collect and seal the opening of the uterus throughout your pregnancy.

&bull This thick plug of mucus plays a crucial role by acting as a barrier against external infections throughout the pregnancy months.

&bull Not every woman experiences the expulsion of this gelatinous discharge and this therefore makes it one reason why this mucus chunk cannot be relied upon as a true sign of labor.

&bull Towards the end of pregnancy the mucus plug lessens in importance because its tendency to free itself from the cervix increases with vaginal exams or with the natural thinning and dilation of the cervix.

&bull When the plug dislodges labor can be 1 day to 3 weeks away. Don't panic and assume you are going into labor at the sight of this clear or blood stained discharge on your underpants; it could simply mean that the cervix is undergoing the expected pre-labor changes.

&bull When the plug dislocates, it is simply telling you that your cervix is effacing and or dilating and that the labor process is not far behind.

&bull This wad of sticky, thick mucus dislocates from the cervix when it begins to dilate or open wider and is pushed into the vagina

&bull If you are not sure about what you see, don't hesitate to contact your doctor to rule out serious possibilities

When to call your doctor..

&bull This discharge can be confused with the amniotic fluid which is watery in consistency as opposed to the gelatinous texture of the mucus plug. Amniotic leakage is not something you should take lightly; report it to your caregiver ASAP

&bull If the discharge is bright red in color and copious, contact your care provider ASAP. You could be bleeding which is indicative of premature separation of the placenta or placenta previa, both of which require immediate medical attention.

One sure sign of labor is when you lose the mucus plug. It can be tinged with blood or clear in color. Some women may notice the mucus on their underpants in the last weeks; this is basically the mucus plug. The thick mucus has been blocking the opening to the cervix for a while now. Basically what is happening is that as you near your due date, this plug dislodges and breaks up and passes out of your body. When this happens your body is preparing for labor. Labor can commence within hours after the plug is dislodged but in most cases it will take days before you go into proper labor.

In case you didn't already know:

&bullNot every woman experiences the expulsion of this gelatinous discharge.

&bull&bull Your cervix is part of your reproductive system that is responsible for producing this mucus.

&bull During pregnancy a thick plug of mucus collects at the cervix and seals it; the protection offered by this glob is vital as it serves to function as a barrier throughout your pregnancy against external infections.

&bull It is important to remember that this glob of mucus cannot be considered as a reliable sign of labor.

&bull Towards the end of pregnancy the mucus plug lessens in importance because its tendency to free itself from the cervix increases with vaginal exams or with the natural thinning and dilation of the cervix.

&bull When the plug dislodges, labor can be 1 day to 3 weeks away. Do not panic and assume that labor has begun at the sight of this clear or blood stained discharge on your underpants.

&bull When the plug dislodges, it is simply telling you that your cervix is effacing and or dilating and that the labor process is not too far behind.

&bull This wad of sticky, thick mucus dislocates from the cervix when it begins to dilate or open wider and is pushed into the vagina

&bull Dislodgement doesn't necessarily indicate that labor is imminent; it could simply mean that the cervix is going through normal changes.

&bull If you are unsure about what you see, do not hesitate to contact your doctor to rule out serious possibilities.

You should call your Doctor..

&bull Don't confuse this discharge with the amniotic fluid which is runny in consistency as opposed to the gelatinous texture of the mucus plug. Amniotic leakage should be reported ASAP.

&bull If the discharge is bright red in color and copious, contact your care provider ASAP.

&bull You could be bleeding which is indicative of premature separation of the placenta or placenta previa, both of which require immediate medical attention.