Yes, losing your mucus plug generally means your cervix has started to soften, thin (efface), and open (dilate) in preparation for labor, as the plug blocks the cervical opening and gets pushed out as it changes; however, it doesn't guarantee labor is imminent, as this can happen days or weeks before actual delivery, but it's a key sign that your body is getting ready.
The length of time between losing your mucus plug and going into labor can vary. In some cases, you may go into labor within hours or days, while other times, you may not go into labor for a few weeks.
While losing the mucus plug is a sign that your body is getting ready to give birth, it's not possible to say exactly when it will happen. For some, it may still be a couple of weeks until labor starts, while for others it can be a matter of days or even hours.
While losing your mucus plug does mean that the cervix is softening and opening, active labour may still be days away. Some women will lose the mucus plug right at the beginning of early labour, and for others, this might happen weeks in advance.
Three key signs that labor is approaching soon are regular contractions, losing your "bloody show" (mucus plug), and your waters breaking, often accompanied by lower backache, baby dropping, or a sudden urge to clean (nesting). These signals show your body is preparing for birth, with contractions becoming stronger and closer together as labor progresses.
If you lose your mucus plug before 37 weeks, speak with your doctor. This could be a sign of a complication such as preterm labor. Because of this, it's important to discuss all your symptoms with your doctor. Keep an eye out for a lot of blood, especially if there's more blood than mucus.
Some of those early labor signs are subtle (known as silent labor signs) and some are eye-poppingly obvious!
1 centimeter fits one finger tightly. 2 centimeters fits one finger loosely. 3 centimeters fits 2 fingers tightly. 4 centimeters is 2 loose fingers.
Pain associated with early dilation is extremely rare. However, pregnant people may feel a small pressure or discomfort from cervical dilation and effacement, says Brichter.
When the mucus plug dislodges, it's a signal that your cervix is beginning to soften and dilate. This is a normal process as your body gets ready for birth. After losing the mucus plug, you might experience other signs of labour, such as contractions or your water breaking.
Most effacement usually happens during the first stage of labor, when your cervix is dilating to 6 cm. This process can take several hour or days, and will likely be accompanied by early signs of labor such as Braxton Hicks contractions and losing your mucus plug.
Losing your mucus plug indicates that labor is approaching, but it could still be days or even weeks before it starts. Monitor for contractions that get longer, stronger, and closer together as signs that labor has begun. Contact your health care provider if you lose the mucus plug before your 37th week of pregnancy.
Refrain from swimming or using hot tubs after the mucus plug is lost, since pools and baths can harbor bacteria. Stick to showers and maintain good perineal hygiene (use pads for any discharge, wipe front to back) to reduce infection risk[6].
As the cervix dilates, the mucus plug releases into the vagina. Loss of the mucus plug is one of the first steps in labor. You may notice a thick vaginal discharge that appears clear, pink, or tinged with blood.
How to Speed Up Labor
You may see a thick, jelly-like discharge that is clear, pink, or a little bloody. This plug of mucus closes your cervix during pregnancy, and its discharge usually comes one to two days before actual labour. A strong desire to clean, cook, or organise your home is usual 24–48 hours prior to labour.
As the baby's head drops down into your pelvis, it pushes against the cervix. This causes the cervix to stretch and thin out, or efface. Effacement is described as a percentage. For example, if your cervix is not effaced at all, it is 0% effaced.
When the baby drops, your bump might look lower than usual, which is often noticeable when you stand sideways. You might feel less pressure on your ribs and diaphragm, making breathing easier. You may also experience increased pelvic pressure and more frequent urination due to the baby's lower position.
Signs and Symptoms Your Cervix Is Dilating
Some other things you may notice as your cervix dilates are: the loss of the mucus plug—a clear or bloody discharge from the vagina, also known as the “bloody show” a sharp pain, twinge, pressure, or ache in the vagina and perineal area.
The best time to start walking to induce labour is when you are already in early labour or on the verge of going into labour. It is thought to assist gravity in bringing your baby down and exert pressure on your cervix to cause dilation.
Early dilation often feels like menstrual cramps as the cervical changes cause pain and cramping noticed in the lower part of the uterus. It is the same sensation and location as menstrual cramps. Active labor tends to be felt in a larger area but can be a similar sensation as cramping (with more intensity of course).
If you have signs or symptoms of labor, your cervix may have begun to dilate. It's important to call your doctor right away. It is not recommended to try to measure your cervix dilation at home, since putting anything into the vagina can introduce harmful bacteria.
When people give birth on TV or in films, they tend to spend their labour lying on their backs on a bed. But this is not always the best position. In fact, it may slow labour down. Trying different positions and moving during labour can make things easier.
Below are our top 10 most popular and helpful items to eat and drink during labor.
The signs of labor will vary for every pregnant person; some symptoms may be more subtle than others. Some early signs of early labor include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased bowel movements, lower back pain, cervical dilation and effacement and the loss of the mucus plug.