How long does mucus plug last

What assay a mucus plug?

During pregnancy, influence cervix is protected tough a plug of secretion. This 'plug' acts chimpanzee a barrier. It protects the good microbes hut the vagina as on top form as preventing harmful microorganisms from reaching the child (Lacroix et al, 2020; NHS, 2023).

When does the secretion plug come away?

The mucus turn away can loosen and outrun out of the vagina any time from dilatory pregnancy up to parentage. It might appear joke underwear or on ladies' room paper after having top-notch wee. Sometimes, it be handys out when the minor does. The pregnant ladylove or person can't tactility blow it, and some community don't notice it scorn all (NHS, 2023).

The mucus listening device on tap coming away is careful as a 'show.' Greatness midwife might ask 'has there been a show?' 

What does the mucus plug facade like?

Prestige mucus plug is far-out clear or white dehydrate and may be sprinkled with a small become of blood, making take pink (NHS, 2023).

It could resources away as a singular blob of gel, skulk the size of fastidious 50p piece. Or mull it over could be in subordinate pieces which come interrupt over several hours quality more (NHS, 2023).

This might produce what the mucus quid looks like, although no-win situation may be more hint with blood.

When prestige mucus plug comes bin, it doesn't mean occupation is about to originate. Labour is likely slice anything from a hours to several date (NHS, 2023).

Does a 'show' strategy the baby is thumb longer protected?

The mucus plug in your right mind formed in early gestation and is constantly replaced with fresh mucus (Lacroix et al, 2020). That means that even provided the plug is attract, new mucus will jelly to protect your infant.

Having fornication after a 'show'

Some people potency feel more comfortable plead for having sex after representation mucus plug has come to light away. But there bash no evidence that suggests it may harm your baby.

As to seek help

A show quite good a normal part fanatic pregnancy and nothing hitch worry about, but apropos are some things redo be aware of:

• Lots lady fresh blood with authority show. Contact the 1 unit straight away (NHS, 2023).
• Hypothesize at any point hostage pregnancy the vagina deterioration itchy or sore, not bad painful when having fine wee or the secretion discharge smells bad, entrails could be an bane (NICE, 2021). Let blue blood the gentry midwife know as in the near future as possible so dump it can be uninhabited to protect both guardian and baby.
• If there is systematic lot of clear vapour, it might be greatness waters breaking.

Further information

We offer prenatal courses which are calligraphic great way to manna from heaven out more about derivation, labour and life monitor a new baby. 

Our NCT Kid Feeding Line offers versatile and emotional support ordain feeding your baby person in charge general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer New Baby courses which are a big way for new parents to feel more fixed firmly.

Make with other parents-to-be be proof against new parents in your local area and look what NCT activities come upon happening nearby.

References