Departure of the mucous plug is a physical change that occurs before the onset of labor. With the smoothing and opening of the cervix , the capillaries rupture. Thus, the mucus becomes pink.
There are several important points to note.
The cervix is responsible for the formation of a cork, which is a block during pregnancy. This education is a protection against the penetration of infections from the outside.
The passage of the mucous plug is not considered a true sign of the onset of labor, since it does not occur in all women in labor.
The value of this protective barrier is significantly reduced by the end of pregnancy. This is due to natural extensions and contractions of the uterus.
In this case, an early discharge of the mucous plug does not mean the fact of the onset of premature birth. The condition should not cause panic. It should be noted that spotting is often a sign of cervical preparation for prenatal changes.
The onset of labor can be observed both within one day, and three weeks in some cases.
If a woman experiences uncertainty, is not able to control what is happening, or it seems to her that she is passing the cork before delivery, she must be taken to a specialist.
The release of amniotic fluid, more watery than mucus, can in no way be ignored.
Abundant bright red discharge can occur with bleeding. This, in turn, indicates premature detachment of the placenta. In this case, medical attention is required.
The need for intervention during the last months of pregnancy can change dramatically, not only due to the passage of the mucous plug or mucous spots on the underwear, but also depending on the analysis of the results of CTG. Deciphering CTG of the fetus for the gynecologist is a fundamental factor in assessing the comfort and reliability of keeping the baby in the bosom.
How does the cork in pregnant women go?
Under the influence of prostaglandins and estrogens, the cervix is shortened. It softens and occupies a middle position. In the process of maturation of the uterine cervix, its canal opens slightly. Preventing the penetration of infections during pregnancy, the mucous plug by the time of birth begins to liquefy. Estrogens contribute to this, as their level rises significantly. Thus, a lump of mucus is expelled from the uterine neck canal. It can be colorless, have a yellow or bloody hue. As a rule, cork is released gradually. She comes out in parts, leaving characteristic brownish marks on her underwear for one to three days. In rare cases, the mucous plug is excreted in one piece. In this case, a discharge of light or dark brown color is characteristic. Their number is approximately one to two tablespoons (tablespoons). This happens more often in the morning.
In some cases, in the process of cork discharge, a woman needs to be hospitalized. Such a need arises if:
- there is a multiple pregnancy;
- large fruit or narrow pelvis;
- whether pelvic transverse presentation is noted;
- complications during pregnancy (placental insufficiency, gestosis, etc.);
- the woman’s previous birth ended with a caesarean section or there are large scars as a result of other interventions (with uterine fibroids, trauma);
- there are severe diseases of internal organs (diabetes mellitus, heart defects, arterial hypertension, liver or kidney disease).
It is also necessary to consult a doctor urgently if the fetal motor activity has changed against the background of the exit of the cork or discharge appears with an admixture of blood.