What is a uterine plug? Is the uterine plug white? Does the descent of the uterine plug mean childbirth? Many questions come to mind when mentioning a uterine plug, also known as a mucous plug, which may be a symptom of labour, but it is important to know when you lost your mucous plug and to understand the signs and symptoms of labour. Continue reading the following article with us to answer all the questions you have in your mind about the uterine plug.

What is a uterine plug?

The uterine plug is a protective collection of mucus in the cervical canal. During pregnancy, the cervix secretes a thick fluid (mucus). To maintain moisture and protect the area. Eventually, the fluid builds up and blocks the cervical canal, creating a thick plug of mucus.

If the mucous plug is lost during pregnancy, this may be a precursor to childbirth. When the cervix begins to open in preparation for childbirth, the mucus plug is emptied into the vagina.

The time between the loss of the mucous plug and labor varies, some women go into labor within hours or days, while others may not go into labor for a few weeks.

Why is uterine tampon important?

The plug contains antibodies that can protect the developing fetus from many bacteria, viruses, and other agents that may cause many diseases.

The shape of the uterine plug

The uterine plug is usually white or off-white in color and may have some blood in it, is sticky and jelly-like in texture, and is relatively odorless.

Some women may not notice the loss of the mucous plug; Due to increased vaginal secretions during pregnancy.

The difference between uterine plug and secretions

• Vaginal discharge is usually thin and light yellow or white in color, and its presence during pregnancy is normal.
• As for the mucous plug, it is thicker and more jelly-like. In addition, the discharge of the plug may be associated with red or brown blood, as it may be considered a symptom of labour.

But it is still difficult to distinguish between them; Therefore, you must go to the doctor for appropriate examinations in the event of any secretions.

What is the difference between a mucous plug and a bloody mark?

Both occur in late pregnancy when the cervix is ​​dilated in preparation for childbirth, but the difference is in the discharge of each, as the mucus plug drains like a jelly.

As for the bloody sign, it is a bloody secretion. Because it occurs as a result of the rupture of blood vessels in the cervix as it expands, and it can contain small traces of mucus.

Types of uterine plug

The mucous plug does not differ between one pregnancy and the next, but it may differ according to the number of childbearing times, and it is divided into:

• Tamponade in the first (terminal) pregnancy: In the case of the first pregnancy, the mucus plug coming off does not mean that labor will begin soon, as the period for women to go into labor may range from several hours to several weeks.
• Tamponade in the second pregnancy: In contrast to the first pregnancy, in the second pregnancy, when the mucous plug comes off, this means that labor is imminent, and not for a period of up to weeks.

Does the descent of the uterine plug of the pregnant woman mean childbirth?

As the body prepares for labour, the cervix begins to open. Which leads to the exit of the mucous plug from the cervix, so does the descent of the plug mean childbirth?

The answer depends on the shape of the mucous plug and how far along you’ve been in your pregnancy. It is divided into:

• Gestational age less than 36 weeks: This is what some may refer to as the dropping of the plug in the third or fourth month, in which case you should contact your doctor immediately to tell him, who in turn may recommend you to examine the cervix or the fetus.
• Gestational age over 37 weeks: In the event that you are more than 37 weeks pregnant and do not suffer from any disturbing symptoms, then the loss of the mucus plug should not be a cause for concern, and you can inform your doctor at your next appointment.

To know the most important symptoms of labor, which indicate the approaching birth, read this article with us about the signs of labor and the necessary preparations for a natural birth.

Reasons for falling uterine plug

Some of the reasons you may lose your mucus plug are:

• Opening of the cervix: When the cervix begins to dilate in preparation for childbirth, this can cause the mucous plug to come out into the vagina. In preparation for the passage of the child.
• sexual intercourse Usually, sexual intercourse during pregnancy is harmless, and sexual intercourse in the last weeks of pregnancy may lead to the removal of mucus.
• Cervical examination: The examination can cause the cervix to dilate or become irritated, which can cause the mucous plug to fall off.

What are the side effects of losing the mucous plug?

Generally there are no side effects when the plug is lost, it is normal before childbirth. But if you lose it in the early stages, you should contact your doctor.