How long after the mucus plug comes does labor start?
The loss of the mucous plug mean that the cervix is starting to open up. Think of it as a cork in a bottle of wine, as the cervix opens up, the plug will come out. Many women never ever see their plug as it drops in the toilet in pieces or is not noticed. Loss of the mucous plug means that labor will most likely start within the next 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes sooner, but that is the norm. If you are less then 36 to 37 weeks you need to inform your Dr. or Midwife if you lose your plug, as this could be a sign of an early delivery. If you don’t see your plug and labor starts don’t worry about it, sometimes it does not come out until labor actually progresses, so it is nothing to really worry about or stress about unless you are less then 36 weeks. Even at 37 weeks you would still be ok as labor would not be beginning most likely for at least 2 to 3 more weeks. Hope this helps. PL R.N.
Related Questions
- The mucous plug can be clear, especially if you have only lost part of it. Usually there is some blood in it when the entire thing comes out; when this happens it is generally a very large wad of mucous. It may not come out fully until the birth, though.
- How long after the mucus plug comes does labor start?
- Does everyone loose their mucus plug?
