What a mucus plug looks like: photos

One sign that your big day is near is the passing of the mucus plug. The mucus plug has been blocking your cervix since early pregnancy to help prevent infection.

As your cervix prepares for labour, the mucus plug is released. It can come out all at once, or in small amounts. You may notice a heavy discharge, or a discharge streaked with blood in your underwear or when you go to the toilet.

If the mucus plug comes out before you're 37 weeks pregnant, call your midwife and let them know.

In this slideshow, mums from our sister site in the US have kindly shared photos of their mucus plugs for you to see.

Mucus plug passed at 39 weeks

Mucus plug passed at 36 weeks and five days

Mucus plug passed at 38 weeks and six days

Mucus plug passed at 37 weeks

Mucus plug passed at 39 weeks

Mucus plug passed at 37 weeks and one day

Mucus plug passed at 39 weeks and one day

Mucus plug passed at 41 weeks

When will I lose my mucus plug and how soon will labour start?

Many women lose their mucus plug after 37 weeks of pregnancy, but it's different for everyone.

Some women lose their mucus plug a week or two before labour begins, while for others it happens once labour is already well underway. Some women never notice a mucus plug at all.

If you think you're losing your mucus plug before 37 weeks pregnant, or you have other signs that suggest labour is imminent call your midwife or hospital straight away.

Learn more about the mucus plug and labour.

I think I've lost my mucus plug - what should I do?

Just try to relax! It could be a week or more before labour starts, so there's usually no need to call your midwife or go to the hospital.

The main exceptions are:

• If you lose your mucus plug before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
• If the mucus plug is very bloody, or you're losing more blood.

If either of these apply to you, call your midwife or maternity unit straight away.

Learn the other signs of labour to look out for.

Is there anything I should avoid after losing the mucus plug?

As long as you're over 37 weeks pregnant, the mucus plug isn't particularly bloody, and your waters haven't broken, you should be fine to carry on as you have throughout late pregnancy.

Your baby is still safely cocooned inside their amniotic sac, so activities like having sex or going swimming shouldn't be a problem.

Is there any way to bring labour on quicker after losing the mucus plug?

While there are lots of theories about how to get labour stated, few of them have any scientific evidence behind them! However, many BabyCentre mums swear they brought labour forward by eating curry, walking, using nipple stimulation or having sex. While you’re waiting for your baby to arrive, there’s no harm in trying a few of them.

Read more about bringing on labour.

Can you lose your mucus plug gradually?

Yes. Sometimes the mucus plug comes out all at once, but it can also come away in several pieces. Some women don't notice it at all.

What colour should the mucus plug be?

As you can see from our slideshow, the colour of the mucus plug can vary from person to person. It may be clear, or streaked with blood that makes it look pink, red or brown.

Learn more about how long it takes for labour to start after losing your mucus plug, find out the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions, or check out these other signs of labour.