The expulsion of the mucus plug is usually accompanied by the onset of uterine contractions. Does it mean that your baby is already on the way? We explain it to you.
The mucous plug of the pregnant woman can be observed when the delivery date approaches as a transparent mucous discharge, pinkish, yellowish, with threads of blood or reddish brown. That is why it is also called bloody dischargealthough it is not specifically that.
This plug is the product of the formation of mucus in the cervical canal and works as a hermetic barrier that prevents the access of microorganisms to the interior of the uterus.
Although its expulsion does not necessarily indicate the onset of labor, guides about the proximity of the event. Here you will learn what you need to know about it.
What is the mucous plug of the pregnant woman?
The mucous plug is produced by accumulation of mucus in the cervix. This secretion is Produced by glands in the endocervical mucosa that hypertrophy (enlarge) in the first weeks of gestation.
Its composition is varied:
- Agua.
- Booger.
- Phosphates.
- Enzymes.
- Proteins.
- electrolytes.
- Immunoglobulins.
This mucous plug is located just at the top of the vaginal canal. Thus, it closes the cervix, protecting the baby until it is ready to be born.
What is your function?
The primary function of the mucous plug of the pregnant woman is to create a separation barrier between the interior of the uterine cavity and the vaginal canal. It is a physical barrier, which prevents both the access of fungi and saprophytic bacteria that inhabit the vagina, as well as other microorganisms.
However, in addition to acting as a physical barrier, the presence of immunoglobulins also contributes to the defense against pathogens. Immunoglobulins repel potentially infectious microorganisms that could reach the uterine cavity.
Is the mucous plug really useful to prevent the growth of bacteria?
The rise of bacteria from the urinary tract or from the vaginal canal can infect the placenta and amniotic fluid, causing complications during pregnancy. vornhagen et al., in 2018, published a study of the antimicrobial activity of the components of the mucous plug of pregnant women. They showed that the concentration of antimicrobials was insufficient to kill the bacteria, but It does have enough proteins capable of activating leukocytes (white blood cells) and, with it, the immune system.
On the other hand, Hansen et al. mention that the mucous plug has intense antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Sthapylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus pyogenes y Streptococcus agalactie. All these microorganisms have been associated with preterm delivery and neonatal complications.
The plug has no activity against Ureaplasma spp., which is the bacterium most frequently found in amniotic fluid in cases of premature rupture of membranes.
When is the mucous plug expelled?
The mucous plug is expelled due to the presence of contractions that cause changes in the cervix. Therefore, the event does not in itself mark the beginning of labor; rather, it is the beginning of uterine activity.
It is expelled, then, when the cervix begins to change (to dilate or open). The expulsion can happen weeks or days before the actual start of labor. Also just when at the beginning of it.
An expulsion between 38 and 42 weeks of gestation is considered normal. Although its expulsion cannot give precision as to when labor will begin, it is common for uterine contractions to begin right after.
In case of suspicion of expulsion of the mucous plug before 37 weeks of gestation, a doctor should be seen urgently.
What happens if it is expelled prematurely?
The early expulsion of the mucous plug of the pregnant woman should be evaluated according to the week of gestation. We know that the output is generally produced by dilation and softening of the cervix. So, it would be a sign that the anatomical area is changing.
When the plug is expelled in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is not necessarily a sign of a problem. There may be more susceptibility to infection, but the uterus again produces a new plug.
Sometimes it is expelled after a medical vaginal examination or after having penetrative sexual intercourse.
But when the expulsion occurs after the second trimester of pregnancy and before 37 weeks, you should see a doctor urgently. In such a scenario, there is a risk of preterm labor.
The doctor will order an ultrasound to measure the length of the cervix. This data reveals if there is a possible cervical incompetence and, therefore, a threat of premature labor.
The objective will be to avoid delivery before the 37th week of gestation. When it is imminent and the progression of the contractions cannot be stopped, it will be decided to perform lung maturation of the fetus and programming the care of the baby at premature birth.
What is the rupture of membranes and how to differentiate it from the exit of the mucous plug?
Several symptoms are associated with the onset of labor. The expulsion of the mucous plug is just one of them and it can occur up to weeks before the baby is born, as we already anticipated.
Actually, one of the most characteristic symptoms of onset of labor is the rupture of membranes, also known as “breaking sources”. It occurs when the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby ruptures.
This releases the clear amniotic fluid, which comes out abruptly. Women often think that they accidentally urinated. After the rupture of the membranes, the onset of contractions is common.
The rupture of membranes should not be confused with the exit of the mucous plug. They are different episodes, somewhat related, but not the same.
The mucous plug is shed entirely from the cervix and has the consistency of egg white or gelatinous. Its color is variable: it can be transparent, whitish, yellowish, pink (with threads of blood) or reddish brown.
Sometimes, it is also expelled in parts. It can go unnoticed or barely noticeable when wiped with toilet paper.
What should be done after the expulsion of the mucous plug?
After the expulsion of the mucous plug of the pregnant woman, it is recommended to be attentive to other signs or prodromes of the onset of labor:
- Increased frequency and intensity of uterine contractions.
- Rupture of the membranes with leakage of amniotic fluid.
Pay attention because they are signs that your baby is coming soon! On the other hand, if you think you passed the mucous plug before 37 weeks, you should see a doctor. You should also do it in case the mucous plug is abundant and bright red, green or with a bad smell.
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