The mucus plug is the gelatinous sealant inside the cervical opening. It helps protect the womb and fetus from infection during pregnancy. As labor draws near, the cervix prepares to open, and part of this preparation is releasing the mucus plug.
But what does it look like? It looks like snot. Or jellyfish. Or goo. It may be released in several pieces over days, or in one large piece. Or, it may dissolve and you won’t notice it at all, except as increased vaginal discharge.
How big is big? They vary in size from just a thumb sized glob to the size of your whole hand (this is very unusual, but has happened!) And remember, if it is very small, you may only be seeing a part of it.
It can be completely clear or cloudy. It can contain streaks of dried, dark blood. Or even threads of bright red blood. The cervix contains a lot of capillaries that may bleed a little as it prepares for labor, or if you have a cervical exam or penetrative intercourse.
Sometimes the mucus plug is called the “bloody show.” The bloody show is a term that originally referred to the bright red blood seen in very late labor indicating the last of the cervical dilation. Because the mucus plug can contain blood, it has adopted this term. But the mucus plug does not always contain blood.
Seeing your mucus plug is a sign that your body is preparing for labor, but it doesn’t give you a timeline on when labor will begin. You may not see it at all, or it may come out during your early labor.
You don’t need to do anything different if you believe your mucus plug has come out. Your baby is still secure inside their amniotic sac and behind a cushiony wall of cervix. If you have concerns about the appearance of your mucus plug, or anything else, please speak with your care provider.