Hi,

I am 37 weeks pregnant and I'm wondering how can I tell if I have lost my mucus plug or not.
I have read that it is usually either clear or yellowish/tan in colour and clumpy. However, as my discharge has been heavy for some time, I have no idea if I have lost the mucus plug or not?

Thank you

Dee

Hi Dee,

You may never notice when it is lost. Many women will have increased discharge towards the end of pregnancy and it is not always possible to determine if any of it is due to the loss of the mucus plug. For some women who notice it, it is an actual blob of mucus (no other way to describe it!). For others, it may come out in sections over time.

At this stage, it really doesn't mean a great deal. The mucus plug is more of a preparation sign than a labor sign. If a woman did happen to notice it, labor may start that night or not for several more weeks.

You are at that "anytime" stage. Do what you can to enjoy the time you may have left of your pregnancy. Take care of last minute things, spend time with friends and family, pamper yourself... maybe a pregnancy massage for example, or just relaxing and catching up on some good reading while you have the time.

Wishing you a smooth birth when things do start!