[smh0621]

I am 35/36 weeks pregnant and this morning I lost my mucus plug I wiped three times and was still coming then when I stood up more came out. Shortly after that I started to get light menstral cramps. I am just wondering if this means that I will be in labor shortly or if I still have a while to go. My dr has not checked me, but thinks that I am dilated to a 3.

[thisisit]

Do you have any show?

[Wondergirl]

Losing the mucus plug is your body's announcement to you that you will be a mama very soon. Contractions will increase in strength. Do you know when to go to the hospital? (Maybe call your dr. to alert him?)

[Wondergirl]

do you have any show?

The mucus plug IS the "show."

[Alty]

thisisit agrees: A "show" is when the mucus plug is tinged with blood

Actually, the technical term for that is "bloody show".

Losing the mucus plug is the show and it doesn't always contain blood.

[J_9]

do you have any show?

This is called show. Bloody show is when, for instance, your panties have a little blood on them.

The slight menstrual cramps will most likely get stronger and closer together.

Is this your first child?

[thisisit]

Hello smh: The reason I ask about show is that the mucus plug can come out anywhere from the onset of labor to a few weeks before labor begins. Show, or "bloody show" is sometimes mistaken for the mucus plug. Bloody show is a small amount of bloody discharge and often means labor is imminent.

Here is a link for more information:
Signs of Impending Labor - Pregnancy - Families.com

Good luck!

[J_9]

Thisisit... Remember I am a labor and delivery nurse... this is my profession.

Yes, the mucous plug can be lost weeks before labor begins, but in many women it is a sign of impending labor. Since the OP stated that she felt "light menstrual cramps," I'm pretty sure she is on her way.

Now, the Gs and Ps of this woman would be nice.

Is she a multip or a primip? That's important to know to give accurate advice.

[thisisit]

J9, I appreciate your professionalism. I was trying to make myself clear to the OP, as only the OP knows for sure what her body is doing and whether this is her first, second, third. I worked labor and delivery for several years, also. The hospital I worked used the terms "mucus plug" and "show" to mean two different things. If there was no blood, there was no show.

[J_9]

J9, I appreciate your professionalism. I was trying to make myself clear to the OP, as only the OP knows for sure what her body is doing and whether or not this is her first, second, third. I worked labor and delivery for several years, also. The hospital I worked used the terms "mucus plug" and "show" to mean two different things. If there was no blood, there was no show.

I totally see your point here. In the last 5 years AWON has changed dramatically as far as terminology goes.

Bloody show is now typically when a woman is in labor and we do a cervical check and blood comes out on our glove.

Mucous plug is a thick stringy almost elastic like substance.

[smh0621]

This is called show. Bloody show is when, for instance, your panties have a little blood on them.

The slight menstrual cramps will most likely get stronger and closer together.

Is this your first child?

No this is my second pregnnacy, with my first I didn't lose mucus plug or really have any contractions. I woke up one morning and my water was leaking

[stormey44]

If your water is leaking you should call your doc or make a visit to the l&d good luck