Departure of the mucous plug

Departure of the mucous plug is a physical change that occurs before the onset of labor. With the smoothing and opening of the cervix , the capillaries break. Thus, the mucus becomes pink in color.

There are several important points to note.

The cervix is responsible for the formation of the cork, which is some block during pregnancy. This education is a defense against the infiltration of infections from the outside.

Departure of the mucous plug is not considered a true sign of the onset of labor, as it does not occur in all parturient women.

The value of this protective barrier is significantly reduced by the end of pregnancy. This is due to natural extensions and contractions of the uterus.

In this case, early departure of the mucous plug does not mean the occurrence of premature birth. The state should not cause panic. It should be noted that spotting is often a sign of preparing the cervix for prenatal changes.

The onset of labor can be observed both during one day and three weeks in individual cases.

If a woman experiences uncertainty, is unable to control what is happening, or she thinks that she has a fading before giving birth, she must be taken to a specialist.

The yield of an amniotic fluid, more watery than slime, can in no case be ignored.

Abundant bright red color of discharge can be noted during bleeding. This, in turn, indicates a premature detachment of the placenta. In this case, medical attention is required.

The need for intervention during the last months of pregnancy can drastically change not only because of the fact that the mucous plug came off or mucus spots appeared on the underwear, but also depending on the analysis of CTG results. Deciphering CTG of the fetus for the gynecologist is a fundamental factor in assessing the comfort and reliability of keeping the baby in the womb.

How does the cork go away in pregnant women

Under the influence of prostaglandins and estrogens, the cervix shortens. It softens and occupies a middle position. During maturation of the uterine neck, its channel opens slightly. Preventing the penetration of infections during pregnancy, the mucous plug at the time of delivery begins to liquefy. This is facilitated by estrogens, since their level is significantly increased. Thus, a lump of mucus is pushed out of the uterine neck. It can be colorless, have a yellow or bloody hue. As a rule, the separation of cork occurs gradually. It comes out in pieces, leaving on the underwear characteristic brownish tracks for one or three days. In rare cases, the mucous plug is removed entirely in one moment. This is characterized by a light or dark brown discharge. Their quantity is approximately one or two tablespoons (table). More often it happens in the mornings.

In some cases, during the removal of the plug, the woman must be hospitalized. This need arises if:

- Multiple pregnancy takes place;

- a large fetus or narrow pelvis;

- there is a pelvic transverse presentation;

- Complications during pregnancy (placental insufficiency, gestosis and others);

- the previous birth of a woman resulted in a caesarean section operation or there are large scars as a result of other interventions (with uterine myoma, trauma);

- There are serious diseases of internal organs (diabetes, heart defects, hypertension, liver or kidney disease).

It is necessary to address urgently to the doctor and in the event that against the background of the exit of the plug the motor activity in the fetus has changed or there are discharges with an admixture of blood.