The mucus plug protects the developing fetus from harmful bacteria and other pathogens that could potentially enter the uterus before giving birth. What is the purpose of the mucus plug? The mucus plug may be clear, grayish, or maybe pink/blood tinged and is described as stringy or jelly-like. This includes a cervical exam, a provider sweeping your membranes, or sexual intercourse. Since the mucus plug is located in the cervix, movement or disruption of a soft/ripe cervix may dislodge the mucus plug. This collection of mucus becomes a protective plug/barrier between the baby and the vagina and remains an important protection until labor begins. The mucus plug is formed in early pregnancy as cervical mucus collects in the cervical canal. Mitchell Kramer, Chairman Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Long Island’s Huntington Hospital, explains that “The mucus plug is a mucus seal that acts as a barrier between the vaginal environment which contains bacteria and the sterile environment inside the uterus where the pregnancy sac and fetus reside,” explains Dr. Related: Labor Contractions or Braxton Hicks? How to Tell the Difference What is the mucus plug? Learn about the purpose of the mucus plug, what it means to lose the mucus plug, and if it can predict when labor will start. The loss of the mucus plug is thought to be a sign that labor is imminent. Towards the end of pregnancy, many are eager for any early signs of labor.
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