- How to identify the mucous plug correctly
- When the buffer comes out
- Can the tampon come out ahead of time?
- What to do after leaving the mucous plug
The mucous plug is a substance that is produced to close the entrance to the uterus during pregnancy, preventing the bacteria present in the vaginal canal from reaching the baby and causing a serious infection.
Therefore, the removal of the mucous plug is one of the first signs that the woman is going into labor. After that moment, it is common for the woman to also start experiencing severe cramps and, ultimately, rupture of the bag. But it can take up to 2 weeks to happen after the tampon comes off.
See more details about each of these signs and how to know if you are really in labor.
How to identify the mucous plug correctly
When it comes out, the tampon is similar to a whitish discharge, with a small amount and quite thick, which is usually released up to 2 weeks before the baby is born.
However, it is also possible to have other colors such as yellow, green, pink or even brown. The most common characteristics for all women is the very gelatinous consistency and the size of about 4 to 5 centimeters.
When the buffer comes out
The most common is that the mucous plug is released between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy and, in more rare cases, this can happen only during labor, when you are already in the hospital.
Can the tampon come out ahead of time?
When the tampon comes out at an early stage of pregnancy, it is usually not a sign of a problem, it may just indicate that the body is still adapting to the changes caused by the pregnancy.
Although the baby is more susceptible in this period, the body quickly produces a new tampon to protect the uterus again. So if this problem doesn't come up again often, it shouldn't be a cause for concern.
However, it is always important to inform the obstetrician who is monitoring the pregnancy so that he can assess if there is any risk for the pregnancy.
What to do after leaving the mucous plug
After the mucous plug is removed, it is recommended that the pregnant woman pay attention to other signs of labor, such as rupture of the water bag or frequent and regular contractions. The exit of the mucous plug does not indicate the birth of the baby at that time.
Thus, after leaving the mucous plug it is normal for the pregnant woman to still have to wait several hours or even a few days to go to the hospital.
Bleeding at the end of pregnancy does not always indicate the exit of the mucous plug, know the other possible causes.
