Our body secretes various kinds of fluids and plasma matter, which is beneficial to us in one or the other way. One such secretion, helpful to the female body during pregnancy period is the Mucus Plug. It’s released by the body and forms a kind of a cork at the opening of the cervix. This plug performs set functions, the major one being – Protection of the growing infant from getting exposed to the bacteria in the outside world, and developing infections. It acts as a protective layer against such cretins. This plug remains in set position until labour begins. Though of course, there is no guarantee that labour will start the moment the Mucus Plug is discharged.

When labour begins, the cervix starts to distend and become thinner, and the soon – to – b – Mother’s body may discharge the plug out. Women may find a sticky or stringy discharge in their underpants or in the bathroom tissue when this occurs. This is no cause for worry; it is only the Mucus Plug which has been expelled out. It may be red, brown or with pinkish tinges, and is stringy. There’s no set date when the plug is expelled. It may either be early on in the third trimester, middle of the third trimester or just before the beginning of labour. The need to visit a doctor after the mucus plug comes out depends on the situation- How the plug has come out, and its colour. If the resultant expelled matter is bright red and bloody, and more than an ounce, then there is cause for worry and need to call the Doctor immediately. Otherwise, it is better to take a few deep breaths, relax and rest.

It is not sure whether labour will immediately follow the discharge of the plug, so the expectant mother is advised to be calm and take rest, and not be anxious.

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