When does the plug come out during pregnancy, and how soon after that to expect the baby. What should the plug be like? Contractions after the plug comes out

Before pregnancy, most girls have little idea of what it’s like to bear and give birth to a baby. That is, they, of course, can imagine themselves with a nice round tummy, but they have a very little idea about many physiological aspects.

For example, what is a mucus plug during pregnancy and what is it needed for, and most importantly, why is everyone so worried about when it goes away. Of course, this begins to worry all future mothers towards the end of pregnancy; every now and then doctors hear numerous questions: “I’m 38 weeks pregnant, the plug has come out, what should I do?” or “What will happen if I don’t notice when the plug comes out?”

Moreover, having heard a lot of different stories, women begin to worry about what they should do if the plug comes out and labor does not begin... Let's talk about everything in order.

What is a plug during pregnancy?

A mucus plug is a clump of viscous mucus, similar to the white of a raw egg, that forms in the cervix of pregnant women. The plug is formed under the influence of hormones around the end of 1 month of pregnancy, when the fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine cavity: it is at this time that the cervix softens, swells and fills with cervical mucus produced by the cells of the cervix. With each ovulation, it thickens, forming a fairly dense clot that clogs the entrance to the uterus.

The mucus plug during pregnancy, like everything in nature, has its own function: it protects the woman's body(which is very vulnerable during this period!) from various infections entering it, for example, when swimming in a pond.

However, at the end of pregnancy, the woman’s body actively produces the hormone estrogen, under the influence of which the mucus softens, and the plug comes out by itself before childbirth - women who have given birth know that this is a signal that the labor process has entered the active phase.

The removal of the plug can be stimulated not only by natural hormonal reasons, but also by vaginal examinations by a gynecologist - the uterus reacts with smooth muscle tone, pushing out the plug. And she can go out like one gel-like viscous clot or a piece of approximately 1-2 tablespoons (or 1.5 cm in diameter), and gradually, over several days, in the form of spotting, similar to the beginning or end of menstruation.

What does a traffic jam look like before childbirth? It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from normal vaginal discharge because both its viscosity and color can vary. Usually the mucus has yellowish, pinkish color or in general colorless. Women who have given birth say that the mucus plug looks resembles jelly or jellyfish.

There may be streaks of blood in it (there’s nothing wrong with that, blood in the plug appears from the rupture of capillaries that burst from pressure when the uterus opens), but if you see in the plug not just bloody streaks, but a fairly noticeable amount of blood, this may be a sign placental abruption. In any case, it is better to consult a doctor, especially if the plug came out much earlier during pregnancy.

How does a plug come out before childbirth?

By the way, at what time should the plug come out before giving birth? The question, of course, is individual: perhaps you won’t even notice this moment, because it will go away just before birth along with the amniotic fluid, or maybe the plug will go away in advance (that’s why some women have a question about whether the plug always comes off before childbirth) .

Doctors believe that normally the plug should come off during pregnancy. no earlier than 2 weeks before the due date.

The passage of the plug is one of the three main ones, along with increasing regular contractions and the release of amniotic fluid. But, as you already understand, from the moment the plug comes out until the start of labor, it can take several hours or several days. In any case, you need to inform your obstetrician-gynecologist about this - you will be examined and, possibly, immediately placed in the prenatal department.

Most often, a plug during pregnancy comes off during a morning shower or going to the toilet: you may not even have time to see anything, but you will feel something coming out of the vagina. If this happens in another situation, you will definitely notice whitish, yellowish, pinkish or beige mucus on your underwear or sheets.

The plug came out during pregnancy: what to do?

And yet, how does the plug come out before childbirth? Determining this is not always easy, so it is better for a woman to focus on her own feelings. If you are already pregnant and are due to give birth soon, pay attention if you suddenly feel slight painful shocks, some tension and nagging pain in the lower abdomen.

This is how mothers in labor describe the process of the plug coming out before childbirth. After this, aching and nagging pains are possible, similar to those that usually accompany menstruation. Usually these pains smoothly turn into contractions. Then this is already the beginning of labor.

But there is no point in rushing to the maternity hospital yet: make sure the intensity and regularity of the contractions - when the interval between them is reduced to 10 minutes, then you can already go. And as long as the interval between contractions is longer, they themselves are not too intense and do not cause much discomfort to the expectant mother - there is no need to rush, it is better to prepare for the maternity hospital, for example, make sure that things are collected, check all important documents, take a warm shower.

Only not a bath, remember - from the moment the plug comes out during pregnancy, it becomes more difficult for your body to resist infection of the birth canal (this, by the way, is one of the arguments of opponents of water birth). But this does not mean that your child is now defenseless!

After all, he also has an amniotic sac, which, among others, also performs a protective function. Therefore, if the plug has already come off, but labor has not yet begun, there is nothing wrong with that, you just can’t swim in a bathtub, pool or pond now and you should be more careful about your personal hygiene, change your underwear and bed linen more often.

If you haven’t given up even at such a late date intimate life, after the plug comes out, you will have to do this, because the infection can easily get from the vagina into the uterine cavity.

Therefore, if the plug comes out during pregnancy, you shouldn’t fuss and panic: you have time to properly prepare and tune in, get ready, and instruct your family.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

Failure to remove the plug before childbirth is not yet a reason to run to the gynecologist. This does not mean that all this time you were deprived of a barrier that protects the fetus from infection in your womb. Most likely, she did come out, but you simply didn’t notice it. And even if it doesn’t come out, it will come out along with the amniotic fluid or already during the birth process.

The situation is more serious if you think that the plug has already come away, but in fact the amniotic fluid has passed, which is normally absolutely transparent and colorless, and the consistency is much thinner than the mucus plug during pregnancy. We described in detail the sensations when the plug comes out above, but here’s what it’s characterized by: amniotic fluid leakage (amniotic fluid)?

This happens relatively constantly, and the amount of discharge increases with any stress on the abs, for example, coughing. To avoid possible complications during pregnancy, you should inform your doctor about your condition.

Also a reason to be wary is the removal of a cork. earlier than 2 weeks before the due date determined by the doctor during an ultrasound examination. Perhaps this is premature birth, perhaps - in any case, you can’t wait too long, you need to go to the hospital.

Another reason to consult a doctor is the copious discharge of mucus of a liquid consistency, with a large amount of bright scarlet blood: normally, the passage of the plug before childbirth is not accompanied bleeding .

By the way, during pregnancy, inform your doctor about all discharge, including the passage of the plug - this will help track the progress of pregnancy and clarify the expected date of birth.

One of the signals that a baby is about to be born is the release of a mucus plug. Young mothers are often frightened by such discharge, considering it something pathological. However, this is evidence of good hormonal levels and complete readiness for the onset of labor. How does a plug come out before childbirth, why is it needed and how to determine that it is it?

Every mother should be aware of how the mucus plug looks and comes off before giving birth in multiparous and first-time mothers. If in doubt, it is better to consult a doctor once again to rule out conditions that threaten the baby’s life.

Why is it needed?

For a successful pregnancy, the body creates many “traps” for pathogenic microorganisms to protect the baby from infection and complications. One of them is a mucus plug during pregnancy. This is a thick secretion of the cervical canal, produced there from the moment of conception and renewed throughout gestation.

What does it consist of?

The mucus plug consists of the following components:

water is the main part, provides transparency;
collagen – collagen fibers provide the necessary elasticity and shape of the plug so that it does not “leak out”;
leukocytes - provide protection by absorbing bacteria and viruses that enter the cervical canal;
enzymes - the most famous is lysozyme, it has a bactericidal effect.

The mucus plug is synthesized under the influence of estrogens. They predominate in the third trimester. During this period, the amount of mucus plug increases, it becomes more liquid, so it usually comes off within a few days before childbirth.

Where is it located?

Normally, it is located inside the cervical canal - from the external pharynx to the internal one. It seems to “close the cervix” from the external environment. During a gynecological examination on a chair, it becomes visible when it begins to recede - on the eve of childbirth.

What is its function

The main function of the mucus plug is to protect against infection from entering the membranes of the fetus, the baby itself and the placenta. That is why timely cured inflammation in the vagina will not affect the baby’s condition in any way. A woman can freely visit the pool and be sexually active.

Chronic infections or severe inflammatory reactions in the vagina and cervix reduce this protection, destroying the mucus plug and jeopardizing the well-being of the baby.

What does it look like

The formation and removal of the mucus plug depend on the characteristics of the woman’s body. For some, everything is “according to textbooks,” while others don’t even notice it; for others, it appears at the moment contractions begin and the water breaks. Therefore, there is no need to worry excessively about possible pathology. But you should tell your doctor about your concerns, who will answer all your questions competently. Classic ideas about what a plug looks like during pregnancy are as follows:

color – transparent or whitish, may be heterogeneous;
consistency - from thick viscous lumps to simply mucous discharge;
quantity - most often it is one or two tablespoons;
impurities - yellowish inclusions are allowed, as well as small streaks of red or dark brown blood.

When the mucous plug is separated, nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back is sometimes disturbing. A woman may notice that the uterus periodically becomes toned - it becomes “like a stone.” There should be no acute pain or other unpleasant symptoms. Excessive discharge of blood, milky or clear fluid is a reason to immediately seek medical help.

When to expect delivery

The mucus plug can come off at any stage of pregnancy, and this is a signal that labor will soon occur, including premature birth. More often you have to deal with its discharge after 37 weeks, which is considered the absolute norm. The removal of the plug is associated with the following factors:

the cervix opens– closer to childbirth, the cervix shortens and opens, due to the fact that the lower segment of the uterus undergoes restructuring for childbirth;
estrogens are produced– these female sex hormones are responsible for increased mucus secretion, which facilitates the sliding of the fetus during birth;
water may leak - rupture of the membranes and leakage of amniotic fluid will lead to mechanical expulsion of the mucous plug.

Often, increased discharge of viscous secretions is observed after a gynecological examination on the eve of childbirth. Most often, small bloody discharge is mixed with mucus. This is normal and should concern the expectant mother. Reviews from women who were once concerned about such an event confirm this.

Labor time

Experienced gynecologists claim that within two to three days after the plug comes out in pregnant women before childbirth, contractions begin or water comes out. For first-time mothers, this may take a longer time, and multiparous mothers often note that “as soon as the plug came out, they immediately gave birth to a baby.”

In general, everything happens differently for different women - discharge can last one or two hours or several days.

The plug comes off before childbirth: how to distinguish it from water and bleeding

At the moment when the plug comes off during pregnancy, a woman must clearly understand that this is a normal phenomenon and distinguish it from other conditions, for example, bleeding or breaking of water. How to understand that the plug has come off before childbirth, and that something dangerous has not happened, the table will help.

Table - Distinguishing between birth plug, bleeding and rupture of water

Sign	Birth plug	Bleeding	Outpouring of waters
When did they appear	- Closer to due date	- At any time	- At any time
Consistency	- Mucous, viscous	- Liquid blood or clots	- Clear or white-cloudy liquid
Color	- Transparent, with a white or yellowish tint; - streaks of blood are acceptable	- Dark or bright blood	- Transparent, yellowish; - may be green with an unpleasant odor (if infected)
Quantity	- About 10-20 ml	- There may be either slight spotting or heavy bleeding.	- A large amount “flows down the legs”; - less often a small amount
Uterine tone	- Periodic, along with nagging pain in the lower abdomen	- Constant tone or normal	- There may be contractions or no tone
How often	- Periodically for one or more days	- All at once suddenly	- A lot at once, less often - periodic leakage over one or several days

Sometimes it is only possible for a specialist to finally understand that the plug came off before childbirth, and not something else. Therefore, if in doubt, it is better to consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.

What to do

Considering that normally the mucus plug comes off a few days before birth in both primiparous and multiparous women, there is no need to worry.

track discharge;
monitor the baby's movements;
rest, because contractions can be expected soon.

You should go to the maternity ward if:

strange discharge with blood appeared;
severe stomach pain;
the baby does not move well or does not move at all;
contractions every five to seven minutes;
water flowed.

A mucus plug is evidence of the physiological course of pregnancy and the body’s good readiness for childbirth. It is impossible to predict exactly how long it will take for labor to begin if the plug has come off; it depends on the characteristics of the woman. On average, contractions begin within two days. Abundant mucous discharge after 37 weeks is a good harbinger of labor, especially if it is accompanied by a sensation of nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back.

WHEN THE ABDOMEN DOWNS ON THE EVE OF BIRTH (PHOTO)

The approach of childbirth is characterized by numerous changes in the body of a pregnant woman , which indicate their close beginning.

Expectant mothers are increasingly listening to themselves and noticing new sensations and changes. Child before childbirth moves much less than during pregnancy . Its activity is reduced because there is little free space left in the mother’s belly. A pregnant woman's mood may change, her appetite may worsen, and contractions may begin.

The child, feeling ready to go out into the light, begins to move closer to the “exit”. It takes place with the presenting part in the pelvis, taking a comfortable position for itself to wait for the onset of contractions . Often before childbirth, the stomach hurts and becomes hard. Women often ask if their belly goes down. Of course, the real sign that the birth of a child is imminent is precisely . In fact, when the stomach drops before childbirth, it means that the uterine fundus has prolapsed. Sometimes on the eve of childbirth, women may experience bleeding . It can be used to judge the release of the mucus plug.

Belly before childbirth, as can be seen in the photo, and its lowering for all women occurs individually - at different times and in different ways. Many primiparous women experience prolapse 2-4 weeks before labor begins. When a woman gives birth again, her stomach drops a few days before giving birth , as shown in the photo, or does not fall down right up to the birth itself.

Characteristic signs of abdominal drooping before childbirth:

- disappearance of heartburn and belching, which were so painful during pregnancy;

Easier breathing because the uterus is no longer putting pressure on the diaphragm;

The appearance of discomfort when walking and sitting;

Increased urge to go to the toilet on the eve of childbirth;

The presence of unpleasant pain in the perineum and pelvis.

Some pregnant women do not notice these sensations. The easiest way to find out if you have drooping belly before childbirth (photo above), is to place your palm between your stomach and chest. If it fits there, abdominal prolapse has probably already occurred before childbirth, and you will soon go to the maternity hospital.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND THAT CONTRACTIONS HAVE STARTED BEFORE BIRTH

Pregnant women before childbirth are usually very afraid of the onset of contractions and the process of childbirth itself. It is very important to understand how contractions begin.

Cervix of a woman during pregnancy tightly closed. At the very beginning, when contractions begin before childbirth, the uterus is also ready to open - its throat is smoothed out, expanding to 10-12 centimeters in diameter. During contractions, intrauterine pressure increases as the uterus begins to shrink in size. This leads to rupture of the amniotic sac , as a result of which amniotic fluid flows out.

How do you know if you're going into labor? At first you will feel some discomfort in the abdomen, hip joints and lower back. At first, contractions before childbirth will last only a few seconds, and you will not notice any particular painful sensations. The time interval between contractions will be about 10-12 minutes, sometimes 7-8 minutes. All these sensations will no longer make you question how to understand that the first contractions have begun.

Then the contractions will become stronger, more frequent and painful, and even with a shorter interval. This will be the next phase. Thus, contractions will reach a point where they last about 2 minutes, and the next one occurs 60 seconds later. If such moments occur, you should be prepared for the fact that labor will begin soon, in 30-40 minutes.

How to behave before childbirth? After all, the most painful and final stage of labor begins. Since during childbirth a pregnant woman has a high diaphragm, she can only breathe from the upper parts of her lungs. However, each inhalation should be accompanied by an infusion of air into the lungs, filling the free upper part of the chest. Exhale carefully and easily. In no case is it recommended to inhale air forcefully or exhale in jerks. To relieve labor pain, you can use self-massage without resorting to analgesics.

Apply pressure from the front on points along the thighs, and massage with slightly outstretched vibrating thumbs. Lying on your side with your knees slightly bent is the most comfortable position for a light massage of the lower half of the abdomen while maintaining the correct inhalation-exhalation rhythm. Stroking is done with your fingertips - from the middle of the abdomen to the sides.

Once labor begins, some pregnant women vomiting may occur. It does not last long and no treatment is required. As soon as vomiting stops, rinse your mouth with water and drink 1-2 sips of water, but no more. so as not to cause new nausea .
The second stage of labor is characterized by the transfer of women in labor to the delivery room. You can control the pushing yourself under the supervision of a midwife and doctor. There will be an unpleasant feeling of strong bloating. The overall pain of pushing depends on what your posture is and whether you push correctly.

It is necessary to completely relax and breathe deeply - while inhaling without delay. The strongest attempts are considered to be those when the fetal head passes through the pelvis. When the fetal head appears, the midwife provides assistance to the woman in labor so that she does not tear the muscles of the perineum. Follow all professional instructions of the midwife absolutely precisely. Remember that the baby's head will be removed from the genital tract when there is no pushing. Therefore, it must be contained by relaxing and breathing only through the mouth without any delay in inhalation.

HOW DOES THE MUCOUS PLUG REMOVE BEFORE BIRTH?

The removal of the plug before childbirth is very individual. However, this may not happen earlier than 3-4 weeks before birth. She often leaves 7 days before labor begins.

What does a mucus plug look like? It consists of a dense clot of mucus (photo link) , which closes the entrance to the uterus. No infection can penetrate there, so the baby is safe.

How the mucus plug comes off before childbirth ? You may feel clumps of mucus being released. The mucus plug before childbirth (photo) looks beige, pinkish or whitish-yellowish. Often discharge may contain blood or with streaks, since the cervix, expanding, causes the bursting of small capillaries. A small amount of blood on the eve of labor is quite normal. No need to panic. Remember that this is the mucus plug coming off. Just take a closer look.

The mucus plug does not look like ordinary discharge. It looks more dense. An option is possible when it comes out in large volume at once. From the fact how the plug comes out just before childbirth, for example, little by little, gradually, this may not be noticed, or it may be confused with discharge.

Most cases where the mucus plug comes off before childbirth occurs while using the toilet or showering. However, if the characteristic plug came off before childbirth while you were dressed, you can definitely see this mucus on the sheet or underwear.

The removal of the plug sometimes occurs directly during childbirth.

If the plug comes away, and then the water or contractions come out, it means you need to go to the maternity hospital urgently. You should also go there if there is bleeding after the plug comes out. You should visit a doctor if the plug comes off too early, 14 days before the due date, especially if it is bright red.

The plug should not be accompanied by bleeding. It only comes in dark color.

AT WHAT TIME DOES THE CERVIX DILATED BEFORE BIRTH IN FIRST- AND MULTIPARENTS?

Before giving birth, every pregnant woman's reproductive organ reaches its maximum size. The shape of the uterus (belly) before the upcoming birth may be different. If the fetus occupies the most unfavorable position and lies transversely, this means that the uterus before birth is stretched in width and not in length. In this situation, as a rule, a cesarean section is performed according to indications.

With a longitudinal presentation of the fetus, the shape of the abdomen takes on a regular oval shape. An irregularly shaped belly occurs when the child deviates to the side.

During an external examination, the midwife analyzes the muscle tone of the uterus . The wall of the uterus is normally soft in a pregnant woman. However, with increased tone it is hard. Hypertonicity of the uterus (increased tone) is one of the threats of termination of pregnancy. Increased tone can occur at any stage of pregnancy. The sensations will be pain in the lower back and lower abdomen. They can be minor, very strong or sipping. Signs of pain depend on the intensity and duration of uterine hypertonicity before childbirth, as well as on the pain threshold sensitivity of a pregnant woman . With short-term increased tone, the sensation of pain or heaviness in the lower abdomen is slight.

The cervix begins to dilate before labor. This is the first stage of childbirth. It opens due to tension during contractions, when the muscles of the uterus contract.

The maturity of the cervix depends on the production necessary hormones in the body of a pregnant woman, namely prostaglandins. They have a complex effect - on the immune system, on the sensation of pain, on the regulation of blood pressure, the secretion of gastric juice, blood clotting and contractile activity of the uterus.

Professionals should monitor when the cervix begins to dilate before labor. Mothers in labor are required to fulfill all their professional requirements.

In primiparous women, the internal os of the cervix first begins to open, taking on the shape of a funnel, and then the external os begins to stretch. Harbingers of labor in multiparous women are the opening of the external os of the uterus by one finger. This occurs at the end of pregnancy , and it is easier for them to dilate the cervix. The internal and external pharynx begin to open almost simultaneously.

Repeated births, as a rule, are faster and easier for women than the first. In order to give birth to a child without ruptures and without tearing the cervix, you need to listen to and follow the advice of gynecologists who deliver the baby. The preservation of the perineum and birth canal of the woman in labor depends 80% on them. To avoid an episiotomy during childbirth, the gynecologist must lubricate the vaginal area and cervix with a special gel or oil, then straighten it and the folds. At the next stage, the doctor teaches the correct pushing. Don't neglect these tips.

Special differences in the precursors of labor in primiparous and multiparous women not available. A reliable determination of the onset of labor can only be made by monitoring the dynamics of cervical dilatation.

Harbingers of childbirth can be, for example, a change in mood. Often a woman exhibits the so-called “nesting” instinct. This is when a woman begins to clean everything, wash, sew, tidy up. In a word, prepare for the long-awaited meeting of the long-awaited baby.

Signs of the onset of labor are changes in the motor activity of the fetus itself. The child begins to either calm down or, on the contrary, become very active. The baby begins to choose a rhythm and also prepare for the right moment of his birth.

From the female womb, 1-3 days or several hours before the onset of labor, mucus is sometimes released, which resembles egg white. It looks brown, very similar to menstrual spotting. The discharge may also be streaked with small amounts of blood.

Before giving birth, a woman in labor may experience a noticeable change in appetite towards a decrease.

A woman's bowel movement can be a harbinger of labor. A pregnant woman goes to the toilet often. The chair is much larger than usual. The urge to urinate will also become more frequent as pressure on the bladder increases.

On the eve of childbirth, a woman may lose some weight - approximately 1-2 kilograms.

The lowering of the abdomen occurs due to the child’s preparation for “exit” - he lies with the presenting part at the entrance of the small pelvis. The fundus of the uterus at this time deviates anteriorly due to a slight decrease in the tone of the woman’s abdominal muscles.

It becomes easier for a pregnant woman to breathe because pressure is relieved from the stomach and diaphragm due to the baby moving down.

As the baby moves down, the woman may begin to experience pain in the lower back. , in the lumbar region.

Sometimes, the onset of labor is characterized by the appearance of dull, incomprehensible pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. There are also so-called girdle pains - when both the lower back and the stomach hurt.

The most reliable sign of the onset of labor is the presence of constant contractions in a woman in labor. . At this time, the uterine muscles begin regular contractions with a steady rhythm.

Sometimes the amniotic sac may leak before birth . But it can also burst suddenly. In this case, all the water may leak out at once. If amniotic fluid has leaked, you must urgently go to the maternity hospital.

HOW TO ELIMINATE PAIN BEFORE CHILDREN (BUT SPA, BUSKOPAN SUPPORTS, Belladonna SUPPORTS, OIL, ENEMA, SANATION)

Pregnant women are recommended a special diet before giving birth to help the digestive system prepare for labor. Vegetable oil before childbirth has a beneficial effect on the stretching and contraction of the uterus. In addition to everything else, dishes with vegetable oil enrich the body with vitamin E and are a means of preventing hemorrhoids and possible ruptures.

Women must attend preparatory classes during pregnancy, where they will be taught how to breathe correctly , will introduce you to adaptive comfortable posture, as well as perform effective exercises (including the Kegel method for intimate muscles ) to reduce pain.

Pain, which sometimes causes unpleasant moments for a woman before childbirth, is a harbinger of labor. On the pain The following factors may influence the normal birth:

health status and age of the woman in labor;

physiological and psycho-emotional preparation for childbirth;

menstrual irregularities recorded before pregnancy;

size and position of the fetus;

premature birth;

woman's pain threshold level;

individual anatomical features of the pelvis, muscular, hormonal systems, etc.

False contractions are a typical first cause of pain before labor. This process is also often called training. At this time, the muscles of the uterus begin to contract, becoming toned for only one minute. Thus, the woman’s cervix prepares for childbirth. These sensations appear after 20 weeks , but they do not cause severe pain.

False contractions are intended to prepare a woman’s body for labor. They are usually not intense and are concentrated in the lower abdomen.

Painful symptoms before childbirth that need special attention to understand signs of the onset of labor:

constant contractions of the uterus;

frequency of pain recurrence with a break of 10-20 minutes;

reducing the gap between contractions to 2-3 minutes;

rapid relaxation of the uterus in between contractions;

the nature of the pain is widespread, pressing and encircling.

Nagging pain before childbirth signals the imminent birth of a baby. They start at 33-34 weeks. This process is caused by stretching of ligaments and muscles. In other words, preparation for labor. The pain is localized in the lower abdomen . This is due to false contractions and the preparatory period, when the uterus acquires tone and the cervix shortens and becomes smaller. Pain in the lower abdomen, therefore, is an adaptation period that helps prepare the muscles, ligaments and tissues for normal labor. You should not dramatize pain, since they are explained by simple physiological stretching of the uterus and displacement of nearby organs.

Cause of pelvic pain before childbirth is an increase in the tone of the spiral uterine ligaments. Such sensations are especially common in pregnant women who have a history of pelvic muscle distortion (a twisted pelvis). The ligaments that attach the uterus to the pelvis are stretched unevenly as a result of sacroiliac displacement, thereby causing nagging pain in the pelvic and lumbar region.

Chest pain accompany almost the entire period of pregnancy. This is normal. Over the course of nine months, the mammary glands undergo changes. The most noticeable breast growth is after 30 weeks, when glandular tissue grows rapidly. The capsules of the mammary glands stretch greatly, as does the skin of a pregnant woman. Chest pain is associated with this.

Back pain before birth is associated with the child moving into a natural prenatal presentation - head down. The fetus puts pressure on the lower back, and the connective tissue of the sacroiliac zone is stretched. The lower back hurts mainly during contractions.

Hormonal dysfunctions in women provoke expansion and relaxation of the pelvic joints and intervertebral ligaments.

Due to a large belly, physiological displacement occurs forward of the body's center of gravity. It leads to compensatory tension in the back muscles. At this time, posture may be disrupted and curvature of the spine may appear.

Factors that cause pain in the perineum before childbirth:

increased weight puts stress on the lumbosacral region, which leads to pain in the perineum;

increased production of the hormone relaxin, which controls the elasticity of interosseous joints;

gradual expansion of the pelvic bones (pubic joints) in preparation for labor.

To prepare the birth canal for the passage of the fetus, doctors prescribe No-shpa before childbirth. However, it should not be taken without the prescription of a specialist. No-spa is contraindicated in case of hepatic, renal and isthmic-cervical insufficiency. Theoretically, it sometimes causes premature onset of labor, since it accelerates the dilatation of the cervix.

It is usually prescribed by specialists along with other drugs, more often with suppositories. This there may be Buscopan candles, Papaverine and candles Krasavka. Experts assure that before childbirth, No-shpa can help determine the authenticity of contractions. If you are not sure whether these contractions are real or false, then you can take two tablets of No-shpa . If the pain becomes more frequent and intensifies, it is recommended to go to the maternity hospital.

Buscopan suppositories will have a stimulating and relaxing effect on the muscles of the cervix. In this way, they contribute to its disclosure. Typically, they are prescribed to prepare the cervix and speed up the development of the first stage of the labor process.

Buscopan suppositories before childbirth are prescribed only if the expected benefit from them is higher than the potential harm to the child and mother. Of course, the best option would be if you don’t use them at all. But in recent weeks, at the end of the third trimester, gynecologists quite often prescribe use of special suppositories for pregnant women.

The main thing that a pregnant woman should know is that Buscopan suppositories cannot be used in the first trimester, or for constipation. The best way to solve this problem is to review your diet. Thus, Buscopan suppositories can be used no earlier than the 38th week of pregnancy in order to maximally prepare the muscles of the uterus in order to facilitate future childbirth.

In candles with belladonna contains belladonna extract. The drug is released in the form of rectal suppositories. It is used in the treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures. An additional function of this drug is to have a relaxing effect on the cervix.

Belladonna suppositories have proven to be very effective in relieving cervical tension. However, they still fail to completely relieve pain when the os of the uterus opens. Belladonna suppositories are used before childbirth only if the pregnant woman does not have a risk of hemorrhoids and a predisposition to slow dilatation of the cervix.

Immediately before giving birth, a pregnant woman is given an enema. The absence of feces will make it easier for the baby's head to move through the pelvis, because in this case there will be no seals as it moves along the birth canal. The ability of an enema to tone the vagina, stimulating contractions and improving the birth process, is its undoubted advantage.

An enema before childbirth is very simple. Prepare a solution from chamomile infusion, for example. The water temperature is recommended no more than 37 degrees. Fill the mug with the solution, release the air from it and secure it at a level of one meter from the place where you will be.

Apply soap, cream or Vaseline to the tip of the tube, release the air and carefully insert the tip. Gradually you should feel your intestines full. If you don't feel this way, try changing the direction of the tip. Make sure that air does not enter the intestines. If you feel discomfort, start breathing slowly and deeply, stroke your stomach and relax. After the solution is administered, go straight to the toilet.

Sanitation- one of the important components of preparing pregnant women for childbirth. Sanitation is the cleansing of pathogenic microorganisms in the birth canal. When a child is born, it comes into contact with the walls of the birth canal. He can swallow lubricant, secretions, etc. In the case of pathogenic microflora, the risk of various infections in the baby in the postpartum period increases (thrush in the mouth, conjunctivitis, etc.)

To cleanse the birth canal, you need to use antiseptics. This can be a decoction for washing from St. John's wort, sage or chamomile. Dissolved baking soda relieves burning and itching sensations.

In addition, doctors may prescribe antiseptics in the form of tablets or suppositories before childbirth. They will be aimed at combating pathogenic microorganisms. The most common drugs are vinylin, miramistin, clotrimazole, terzhinan , chlorophyll solution.

It should be noted that antibiotics do not act on candida fungus. This means that antibacterial therapy involves acting only on the fungus itself. These antibiotics are antifungal antibiotics. For example, nystatin contained in terzhinan.

Particularly useful during pregnancy is the use of olive oil on an empty stomach, which normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, relieving the pregnant woman of constipation. In the last months of pregnancy, constipation in women is a very common occurrence. Olive oil is also an excellent remedy against late toxicosis in the last months of pregnancy. . To soften the cervix before childbirth, it would also be a good idea to use olive oil.

HOW THE WATER BREAKS IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Answering the question of how amniotic fluid drains in pregnant women, we can say the following. Before birth, the fetus increases pressure on the mother's cervix. At some point, the membrane may burst, and then the amniotic fluid will flow out. However, even in this case the child is not dry, since mainly that part of the anterior waters that was between the head and cervix is poured out. In addition, the waters are replenished and renewed every three hours. Sometimes your water breaks before contractions occur.

Understanding now how the waters break in pregnant women who are beginning to give birth, you need to know that they sometimes break immediately in a huge volume, which is approximately 200 ml, or a glass of liquid. This process feels like a cork has been pulled out, an exit has opened and at least a bucket of water is pouring out. It is impossible to confuse such a process with anything else. If this happens to you, you will have no doubt that the amniotic fluid has already broken.

Sometimes the water recedes in a peculiar way, leaking a small amount, little by little. This is simply explained by the fact that the amniotic sac is torn from the side or from above.

Light-colored, almost colorless waters are considered normal. They are sometimes a little cloudy and should not have an unpleasant or pronounced odor.

As soon as the pregnant woman's water breaks out, contractions may begin immediately. Sometimes this happens after a few hours.

The most favorable and successful option for women will be the release of amniotic fluid after the onset of contractions. This process occurs against the background of very strong contractions of the pregnant woman’s uterus.

It is not worth accelerating labor with medications if the amniotic sac is intact, therefore, infection is impossible. If the water is retained, then the contractions will not be very painful. In this case, the dilation of the cervix will be more effective.

Seek immediate medical attention necessary when the waste water is greenish in color. This green color indicates that the fetus has either experienced or is currently experiencing a serious lack of oxygen. This also happens when some of the contents of his intestines get in - meconium, original feces.

The temperature before childbirth can sometimes be elevated. This signals an ongoing pathological process. An elevated temperature should not be taken as a symptom of approaching labor. It, of course, can increase as a reaction to contractions and stress. But often she talks about an existing infectious disease in a pregnant woman.

An increase in temperature, which is associated with an obstetric infection, becomes of serious importance for the child. Premature leakage of water, undiagnosed for a long time, leads to inflammation of the membranes - chorioamnionitis. It can develop in full force by 3-4 days after damage to the amniotic sac. This happens if the pregnant woman did not consult doctors in a timely manner and therefore did not receive any protection from them. Monitor not only the temperature, but also the discharge of amniotic fluid.

If an infection gets inside the womb, the child will have difficulty resisting it. Bacteria may first infect the eyes, resulting in conjunctivitis and blepharitis. The lungs may be affected in utero (congenital pneumonia). Penetrating into the blood, bacteria cause blood poisoning (sepsis) and meningitis.

In the first days immediately after birth, it is very difficult to treat a child with intrauterine contamination and infections.

Fear, which often occurs in pregnant women before childbirth, is most common among first-time mothers. This is a completely natural phenomenon. To successfully overcome it, you must first of all think about the child and his safety.

Tune in to such behavior when you need to listen to the opinion of the obstetrician-gynecologist. Only in this case can childbirth be easy, quick and relatively painless. A little pain will only indicate a positive resolution. Always believe in your own strength.

Overcoming fear, as a natural reaction of the body, is necessary because during childbirth it is an absolutely useless thing. And even harmful. Setting yourself up for a favorable outcome of childbirth and your confidence in this will help you successfully overcome it.

Don’t listen too much to the stories of friends who have already given birth and now savor the smallest details of the process, sharing with you the details of their already forgotten sensations, and perhaps somewhat exaggerated. The best option for you would be to take preparatory courses for pregnant women. There you will have the opportunity to ask all the questions you are interested in, to which you will receive comprehensive and very useful answers from professional medical professionals.

Look for only positive information about childbirth. Listen to the stories of those who consider childbirth the most amazing and wonderful moment of life.

Pregnancy is a natural process for a woman. As they often say, pregnancy is not a disease. Don't neglect physical exercise. Continue to do gymnastics and visit the pool. Your activity for nine months will become the basis for absolute preparation for childbirth.

FINAL PREPARATIONS BEFORE BIRTH (WEEK). WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU TO THE MATERNITY HOSPITAL

The long-awaited week before giving birth has arrived after so many days and months of waiting for the baby to appear. 36-37 weeks are already called the prenatal period. The baby may already be born any time. Now expectant mothers are beginning to experience fears that are associated not with pregnancy, but with the upcoming birth, and are increasingly thinking about the process of childbirth itself. But first you need to follow some recommendations from experts in order to the birth was successful and without complications . Pregnant women themselves can greatly contribute to this if they unconditionally comply with the requirements and advice that doctors give them.

Recommended approximately one month before expected birth, starting at 36 weeks of pregnancy , remove animal protein from your diet: fish, meat, butter, eggs and milk. Your diet at this time will include fermented milk products, water-based cereals, a variety of plant foods, fresh juices, baked vegetables, herbal teas and mineral water.

As your due date approaches, your diet becomes more limited. This is due to the fact that before childbirth you should not overload the intestines. It is also recommended to avoid fermented milk products in the last days before giving birth.

Experts recommend a complete sanitation of the birth canal, starting from the 36th week of pregnancy. This is done in order to cleanse the birth canal from pathogenic microflora and ensure its cleanliness directly during the upcoming birth. The risk of infection of the child increases if there is any infection in the birth canal. For example, herpes, common thrush and STDs . A child can become infected with all this while passing through the birth canal.

Pregnant women should weigh themselves regularly throughout the nine months. The optimal weight gain during this time is 9-13 kilograms. This calculation is done together with the weight of the child, uterus, amniotic fluid, breast, and placenta. The placenta, we note, at the end of pregnancy becomes much heavier and grows in size.

Urine given by a woman before each doctor's appointment is examined for the presence of sugar and protein. . The protein can signal so-called gestosis. This is late toxicosis, or toxicosis of the second half of pregnancy. The presence of sugar is known to indicate diabetes.

You can exercise and swim in the pool until you give birth. Don't give up on this under any circumstances.

The day before giving birth, a woman should get a good night's sleep. Sleep can be at least 8-10 hours. This is only a minimum amount of time, do not deny yourself sleep, because it calms the body. The main thing is to feel rested and recharged.

Before giving birth, doctors prescribe No-shpa to pregnant women , as well as candles with belladonna. They are necessary in preparing the cervix of those women who are at risk of slow dilatation.

Very often, a few hours before giving birth, a pregnant woman begins to feel sick, vomiting and diarrhea. Don’t panic, this is how the body begins to prepare for childbirth, naturally cleansing itself of everything unnecessary.

Childbirth immediately begins with regular labor contractions. At first they pass at intervals of 10-15 minutes. Then they become more frequent and become much stronger. There is a gradual opening and smoothing of the cervix. Then the mucus, slightly stained with blood, begins to come out, and a fetal sac forms.

Two weeks before the upcoming birth, it is recommended to think about what to take with you to the maternity hospital. ? Don’t take anything extra so you don’t have to return it home. Here is a sample list of necessary things.

1. Required documents.
2. Things required during childbirth.
3. Things that will be needed after childbirth.
4. Necessary things for a newborn baby.
5. Necessary things for discharge:

- things for mom;
- items for discharge for the child;
- required documents.

The optimal list of things to take with you to the maternity hospital:

Perhaps this is exactly what you need take some other things to the maternity hospital additionally. Consult your family doctor and specialists who monitored your health during pregnancy.

It’s no secret - a woman who is in an “interesting situation” is looking forward to the time to meet her baby. The closer the due date, the more worries and questions: how long to wait?

How do you know when labor begins? If your waters break, does that mean it’s time to go to the hospital urgently, or can you still monitor your condition? And if the plug comes out, when will labor begin? How long do you need to wait after leaving - is it long or is it time to pack your bag for the maternity hospital? In general, what is a mucus plug, and how does the plug come out before childbirth?

All this worries women for whom the expected birth of a child is a completely new event in life - the first birth. How many days (hours, minutes) will contractions begin after a small mucous lump appears, notifying the pregnant woman that her due date is approaching? What does a traffic jam look like before childbirth?

Should it come out in parts or entirely? To avoid unnecessary worries, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the information regarding this issue in more detail in advance.

What is a mucus plug
Color, volume, consistency. Standard options
Mucus plug during the first and subsequent pregnancies
How does a mucus plug come off?
Contact your doctor...
Non-standard situations
Finish line

What is a “mucus plug”?

The plug got its name for its “ability” to block the cervical canal of a pregnant woman in order to prevent infection (microorganisms) from entering the uterus. The mucus plug is a mechanical and immune barrier between the external environment and the uterine cavity

It begins to form in the first month of intrauterine existence of the fetus. At this time, a woman may not suspect that a new life is maturing in her body, and this life is already under careful “protection.” It is a gradually thickening mucus, consisting mainly of proteins and carbohydrates. Hormones are responsible for the density of this lump - under their influence, the plug becomes more and more thick and viscous.

Does it always form? Normally, it must be present, otherwise the fertilized egg will have no chance of survival.

What color is the mucus plug? Standard options

Normal Mucus Plug Color Is Relative You may find that your mucus plug before giving birth:

light, almost transparent;
whitish or yellowish;
transparent with bloody streaks;
brown.

Whatever the color turns out to be, there is no need to be scared, even if it looks strange to your opinion. Red veins and a brown tint in this case are variants of the norm. A bloody plug is not a sign of illness.

The appearance of blood inclusions - clots, veins - are observed when the cervix contracts intensely, resulting in damage to small vessels. Can they burst? Of course - in this case, it is they who paint the cork in yellowish, brownish, pink or red tones.

Such a “bloody” plug rarely alarms doctors, although it frightens future mothers. But if fresh scarlet blood comes out after you feel the plug coming out before giving birth, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. This may be a consequence of the onset of placental abruption, which requires immediate medical intervention.

The volume of separated contents varies in the amount of 1.5 - 2 tablespoons. How does the plug come out before childbirth, how long does this process take? Often it is released at once. Sometimes it “divides” and leaves the body gradually, piece by piece.

Then you may not notice it, especially if you are in the shower at the time. In the photo you can see different options. Having previously studied the photo, you will know what to expect, and it will be easier for you to navigate what is happening.

The mucus plug has no odor. It is worth noting that it looks different for everyone, and sometimes childbirth occurs without the plug coming out - that is, it comes out, of course, but immediately at the beginning of the labor process, and does not precede it several days.

If the plug comes out, when will labor begin during the first pregnancy?

In primigravidas, the process of separation occurs somewhat later, literally a few days (hours) before birth.

Under the constant influence of hormones, the plug blocking the cervix softens slightly towards the end of the pregnancy period. The walls of the cervix soften, it shortens, smoothes out and, contracting, “pushes” out a gel-like lump that served as protection for the fetus for 9 long months. Since the walls of those giving birth for the first time are less elastic, this whole process can take a long time and extend almost until birth.

If the plug comes out, when will labor begin during the second pregnancy?

The situation looks somewhat different in the case of an “experienced” woman in labor. In multiparous women and those for whom this is the third pregnancy (as well as the fourth and so on), the body is already in a state of “combat readiness”: the cervix is softer, it is wider and more elastic. During the second pregnancy, the plug may come out long before the water breaks and contractions occur. It is larger in volume than in first-time mothers.

To the question: “The plug comes out during pregnancy - when is the birth?” No doctor can give a definitive answer. You need to wait for other signs to appear until you can safely walk and do normal things.

How does a mucus plug come off?

Can a traffic jam come out unnoticed? Are there signs, harbingers that will tell a woman that the plug is about to come out?

Most often, pregnant women do not have any special sensations or have a slight tug in the stomach, but this condition cannot last for a very long time. Inexperienced people may think that contractions have begun, but in most cases contractions are still a long way off. Only if water starts flowing after the plug, you should be wary and quickly get ready for the maternity hospital - labor will begin. Sometimes the water breaks, and contractions immediately come after them. This happens more often during the second or third birth.

Consult a doctor

You should definitely visit a doctor, and as soon as possible, if the plug comes off before 37 weeks. The norm is 40 or 39 weeks; earlier dates may indicate a threat of premature birth. When the plug comes out on time, you don’t have to worry about the fate of the unborn child: he is quite sufficiently protected by amniotic fluid, and there is no threat of infection. The passage of a mucus plug with blood in large quantities and the subsequent outpouring of red water is a reason to consult a doctor at any time.

Non-standard situations

Sometimes pregnant women ask: the plug came out 5 days ago, but labor has not yet begun - is this normal? This situation does not require a trip to the hospital until regular contractions begin. Isn’t it necessary to speed up the process if, on the contrary, the baby is about to be born, contractions have become noticeable, but the plug has not come out either at 40 weeks or later? Doctors reassure: this situation is also within normal limits.

Finish line

Now that we have figured out the question of whether every pregnant woman necessarily encounters this phenomenon, like the release of a mucus plug, and what it should be like:

volume;
color;
consistency,

It will be a little easier to wait until the pregnancy reaches the “finish line.”

Be attentive to your body, pay attention to even minor changes in well-being, take care of yourself - and you will feel when the body itself gives a signal about the approaching onset of labor. The more knowledge you have about this, the calmer you will experience childbirth.

People say: “Forewarned is forearmed.” The release of the traffic jam indicates that the wait is not long: the meeting with the child is approaching, it’s time to prepare for it.

The passage of the mucus plug is one of the signs of imminent labor. Most women notice this process and begin to prepare for a happy event. Can a mucus plug go away unnoticed, and what role did it play before?

Now let's look at this in more detail.

What is a “mucus plug”?

There are glandular cells on the cervix that produce secretions. An increased amount of this secretion is released during ovulation, which is noticed by almost every woman. If pregnancy does not occur, the accumulated mucus comes out along with menstrual flow. When the egg has been fertilized, mucus accumulates in the cervix and thickens, causing the lumen to become tightly blocked. Nature has provided this so that no infection can enter the uterus, where the unborn child is formed. Thus, the mucus plug in the cervix performs an important protective function. The composition of the formed plug is constantly updated, since the secretion of cervical cells does not stop. Thus, the cork always remains fresh and fully performs its functions.

The mucus plug fills about 5 cm of the cervix. It clogs the lumen very tightly, leaving no void between the walls. The mucus contains ready-made antibodies that will immediately begin to fight the infection if this happens.

The amount of mucus is quite small, approximately two tablespoons. The consistency is similar to jelly or jellyfish. The color of the cork may vary slightly. In some cases, small amounts of blood may be present.

Not all women notice the removal of the plug. For each pregnant woman, the harbingers of labor can be individual - someone’s stomach begins to pull, someone’s water breaks, someone notices the passage of a mucus plug. Apart from seeing the jelly-like mass itself, the passage of the mucus plug cannot be noticed. That is, if she passed away in the toilet and the woman did not feel her, then the pregnant woman may not know that labor will soon begin. In some cases, mucus from the cervix comes out in parts, rather than in one piece.

What does a mucus plug look like with a photo?

What is a mucus plug is shown in the pictures below:

Each woman's mucus plug may look different. However, it can be characterized by general characteristics:

Consistency. Most often, the cork looks like jelly or jelly. The density of such a mass is quite thick, so the mucus plug resembles a lump. The shape is also due to the fact that the secretion of the cervical mucosa is located in the cylindrical cervical canal. In some cases, the consistency may change towards a more liquid side, and the plug may come out in parts - then it will resemble smears.
Size. The approximate volume of the plug is 50 ml, and its size does not exceed 2 cm. If a pregnant woman notices something in large quantities, it may not be a plug, but symptoms of an inflammatory or infectious process. It is the small size and gelatinous mass that make it possible not to confuse the plug with other secretions.
Color. The color of the mucus plug may vary. The natural color of cervical secretion ranges from transparent to whitish-yellow. Changes towards brown shades are also allowed. This plug parameter can be individual for each woman, so there are no universal criteria. The color change is explained by the characteristics of pregnancy, as well as the woman’s health. If you suffered any disease during the period of bearing a child, this may affect the composition and consistency of the mucus. Both yellow transparent mass and brown mucus are considered normal. However, it is necessary to know about pathological conditions in order to quickly consult a doctor in critical cases. A dark or richly colored cork should alert you. An unnatural or bright shade may be evidence of pathologies, for example, the passage of the placenta and the threat of miscarriage. A bright scarlet plug containing a large amount of blood is also a bad symptom and requires immediate medical attention. Such conditions are especially dangerous if childbirth is still far away. Normally, the mucus plug should go away a few days before the baby is born.

Functions of the mucus plug

The most understood function of the mucus plug is to protect the opening of the cervix from infection. Its antibacterial properties and slimy consistency are truly a reliable barrier to various microbes, thanks to which the embryo continues to develop safely.

In addition, the mucus plug performs the function of mechanical protection. For example, sperm after unprotected sexual intercourse or water from the pool will not be able to enter the uterus. The antibacterial properties of the mucus plug are useful both against pathogenic microorganisms and in maintaining the correct balance of natural microflora.

Until the mucus plug comes away, the woman can safely lead her usual lifestyle. When the mucus leaves, the uterus becomes unprotected and the woman needs to be careful not to swim in open bodies of water, not to take long baths, and to be more attentive to her health.

Why does the plug come out and how long before birth?

The time it takes for the plug to come out depends on various reasons. This process, in most cases, is physiological and occurs several days before birth due to a combination of several circumstances. The main role in the process of removal of the plug is played by changes in hormonal levels. One of the sharp jumps is recorded at - it is from this moment that the woman should prepare for the passage of the plug and other harbingers of an early birth. The following are the reasons that can lead to the passage of a mucus plug:

Changes in hormonal levels. During the entire pregnancy, production occurred, which contributed to the tight closure of the cervical canal. After 38 weeks, this hormone is not produced, so the cervix softens, and its slow opening leads to the loss of the plug.
The release of amniotic fluid automatically leads to the rejection of the mucus plug. Tension of the vaginal muscles or, conversely, their relaxation. For example, while taking a shower or having intense sex.
Contractions. In this case, the mucus plug will come off just before childbirth, which happens quite often.
Gynecological examination. The exit of the plug is provoked by mechanical intrusions.
Infectious diseases in the field of gynecology, for example, colpitis or, which are often found in pregnant women. In this case, the plug may come out prematurely and the patient should urgently consult a doctor.

Thus, you can begin to wait for the mucus plug to drain after 38 weeks. Most often this happens a few days before birth. This indicator is individual for each woman and does not depend on the number of previous pregnancies and births. In multiparous and primiparous women, the plug comes out approximately the same number of days before the event and is accompanied by the same symptoms. The only difference is that in nulliparous pregnant women, the diameter of the cervix is narrower, and the walls of the canal are quite dense. Because of this, the plug is held more firmly and more often comes off in parts or with the release of streaks of blood. Women who have already given birth have an elastic surface of the cervical canal. The epithelium stretches well, so the mucus plug often comes off completely and without blood. Physiologically, the process of removal of the plug should be painless.

If you notice that the plug has come off, it is not necessary to quickly go to the maternity hospital. You may have from a couple of days to a couple of weeks of free time to get ready quietly.

What to do if the mucus plug comes off

If you feel changes in the amount of discharge, you need to decide what they are. If the discharge is a mucus plug and it has no signs of pathology, the pregnant woman must wait a few days before the natural start of the labor process. In some cases, a mucus plug can be confused with leakage of amniotic fluid. The waterless period is very dangerous for a child, so when the water breaks, the woman needs urgent hospitalization. You can distinguish one condition from another by several criteria:

Departure time. The plug comes off a few days before birth, and the waters often break directly during the birth process. As a rule, contractions intensify when the water breaks. If a woman is at home during this period, she must understand that labor is beginning. When the plug comes out, the general state of health and the frequency of contractions in the uterus do not change.
Color. The mucus plug may have a white, yellow, brown tint, as well as small streaks of blood. Amniotic fluid should be clear in color, but in pathological situations it becomes yellow-green.
Consistency. The mucus plug is a lump of jelly, and the amniotic fluid is a watery leaking fluid.
Periodicity. The mucus plug can come off in one piece or several times in portions. Amniotic fluid leaks constantly, the woman notices wet underwear, rapid filling of panty liners, increased discharge when coughing.

The process of removal of the plug may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

pulling and aching;
feeling of discomfort;
wet underwear or quickly filling a pad.

If your health does not worsen when the plug comes out, you need to wait for the natural onset of labor. If pain occurs or contractions become more frequent, a woman should immediately consult a doctor. The mucus plug from the cervix comes off in absolutely all pregnant women. You can carefully watch and wait for this event to know that labor is soon approaching. Women who say that their mucus plug did not come out simply did not notice it.

If you notice that the mucus plug has come off, doctors recommend following these tips:

Do not take a bath, especially a hot one. Try to use only showers these few days before giving birth. Washing with decoctions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, oak bark) or potassium permanganate is also useful.
From the moment the cork comes out, do not swim in pools or open bodies of water, and do not sit in the cold.
Try to abstain from sex or engage in it more carefully.
Pay more attention to personal hygiene - change your underwear more often, wash yourself using special hygiene products, and prevent infection in the genital area.
Become more attentive and watch for other warning signs of labor - breaking of water, increased frequency of contractions. If several signs of labor appear, you need to go to the hospital.
Prepare for your trip to the maternity hospital in advance. Now you already know that this will happen soon enough, so take your time and collect your things and documents.

What you need to know about mucus plug removal

When the cervical canal is affected, general statistical cases may change. For example, a mucus plug acquires a reddish tint due to inflammatory processes or peeling from the wall of the cervical canal. The amount of thick liquid, which is a mucus plug, is quite small - the same as during normal ovulation the secretory layer of the cervix secretes.

Separation of the mucus plug is a natural physiological process. It indicates the beginning of hormonal changes and does not require medical intervention.

Even if the mucus plug has come out, the baby is reliably protected in the womb, thanks to the dense membrane of the amniotic sac. If the amniotic sac is damaged, the risk of infection becomes extremely high. In this case, emergency hospitalization and delivery are necessary.

You should also be aware of dangerous cases in which you need to be wary and consult a specialist:

One of the cases is when the mucus plug and amniotic fluid are confused. The main difference in sensations is that amniotic fluid leaks constantly, and the volume of the mucus plug usually does not exceed 50 ml. With any tension in the abdominal muscles, water begins to leak more intensely. In this case, urgent hospitalization is required.
The passage of the plug long before the expected due date may indicate pathologies, for example, placental abruption or premature birth.
When the plug comes out, it is accompanied by the release of bright scarlet blood. Most likely, this process is not normal, since the separation of the mucus plug should occur without bleeding.