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Mucous Plug
Were you looking for information about the Mucus Plug? Mucous plug is an alternative spelling of mucus plug.
The mucous plug is a small amount of mucous that seals the cervix (the opening of the uterus) during the nine months of pregnancy, like a cork seals a bottle. It serves as a barrier during pregnancy that prevents bacteria from entering the uterus.
As labor approaches, the cervix thins and dilates (the opening gets larger). When this happens, the mucous plug is no longer large enough to fill the opening and it eventually comes out. It may come out all at once, or it may come out slowly in the vaginal discharge over a couple of days.
Losing the mucous plug is a sign your body is starting to prepare for labor. You may lose your plug as early as one to two weeks before the true signs of labor appear, or just as labor itself is beginning.
Remember, the mucous plug seals the cervix. Losing your mucous plug does not mean the amniotic sac is open to infection; the amniotic sac is still sealed until your water breaks.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD