The cork of the pregnant woman came off. When will labor start if the plug has come off? How the cork leaves and looks during pregnancy. What does the concept of "plug of the cervical canal" mean?

If your mucous plug has come off, first of all, do not fuss: everything is fine, it should be so. And this does not mean at all that you will give birth in the next few hours. Now that you have calmed down a bit, slowly read the article to the end.

So, the mucous plug. After all, it is not for nothing that it is called that way: firstly, this substance consists of mucus - thick and dense, and secondly, it serves as a cork - it closes the access of infections and, in general, pathogenically dangerous microorganisms into the uterine cavity, because a new life develops there. It's hard to even imagine how reasonably everything is thought out by nature!

A mucous plug closes the entrance to the cervical canal throughout pregnancy. Closer to childbirth, the cervix begins to flatten and open slightly, while pushing out the cork. Therefore, the discharge of the mucous plug is considered one of the harbingers of childbirth. But do not rush to go to the hospital. Of course, all things by this time should have already been collected, and family members should be instructed in case the birth begins. But by itself, the removal of the plug does not mean anything. There are a number of other, more important and indicative signs of an approaching birth, and it is necessary to focus primarily on them. This is mainly the drainage of water and the onset of regular contractions.

What to do if the mucous plug has come off?

Do not worry. Continue to lead your normal life, paying particular attention to hygiene. Do not be worried that now the entrance to the baby is open, because it is protected by the amniotic sac: as long as the bubble is intact, the baby is completely safe.

But at the same time, be prepared for the fact that the generic process can begin at any moment. Practice shows that from the moment the mucous plug comes off to the birth of a baby, it can take from several hours to several weeks. In some cases (and this also happens quite often), the cork completely departs only during childbirth, which, of course, women in labor no longer notice. Everything is very individual, every woman has a different way, and there are a lot of options for the norm.

Pay attention to the mucus itself, though. It should be quite dense, lumpy, transparent, white, yellow or grayish, almost always with slight streaks of blood. The mucous plug can come out immediately or flake off in parts.

But if this happened more than 2 weeks before the expected date of birth, and also if there is a lot of mucus and it is liquid or bright scarlet discharge is visible with it, you must urgently see a doctor!

Nature has carefully calculated and provided all the conditions necessary for the birth of a new man. During pregnancy in a woman's body, the work of the endocrine and respiratory organs is reorganized, the mobility of the joints increases, the anatomy and physiology of the organs of the reproductive system changes. One of the features of the course of pregnancy is the discharge of the mucous plug from the cervical canal of the uterus before childbirth.

What is a birth plug?

The cervix of a sexually mature woman produces a special fluid with a slightly alkaline pH - cervical mucus. This mucus is composed of proteins, glycoproteins, amino acids, enzymes, sugars and water. It is needed to protect sperm from the harmful effects of the acidic environment of the vagina when they pass through the female genital tract.

When the nuclei of the smallest and largest cells of the human body - the male sperm and the female ovum - are connected in the fallopian tube, an embryo, or ovum, is formed. As soon as the embryo enters the uterine cavity and is fixed on the mucous membrane of its wall, the female body turns on the "keep the pregnancy!" The formation of a protective plug in the cervix is ​​part of this special regimen.

The cervical mucus, which is produced by the cylindrical epithelium, becomes thicker and more viscous under the action of the hormone progesterone, and by the end of the first month of pregnancy completely blocks the cervical canal. Its purpose is to prevent infection from entering the uterus, for example, when having sex or bathing.

When and how does the birth plug come off

As the due date approaches, the dense and elastic mucous plug that overlaps the cervical canal liquefies. This occurs under the action of the hormone estrogen, which is secreted by the body of a pregnant woman in an increased amount during the prenatal period. At the same time, the tissues of the cervix are shortened and smoothed. Freeing the child's free exit, the protective plug is squeezed out of the cervical canal and removed through the vagina.

The passage of the birth plug is one of three reliable signs of a close birth. Two other signs - the outpouring of amniotic fluid and labor pains - indicate that labor has already begun. In most cases, the cork comes out earlier - a few days before childbirth, and the time of its release is purely individual. This can happen two weeks before childbirth, and directly during childbirth. All of these options are normal and should not be disturbing.

How to determine if the cork is coming off before childbirth? The birth plug looks like a dense clot of transparent mucus, reminiscent of raw egg white, jelly, or sea jellyfish. Its average volume is about two tablespoons, the color is milky white, yellowish or pinkish. It is not scary if the mucus has a small amount of bloody fragments, since small capillaries can be damaged when the cervix begins to dilate.

The birth plug can come out in parts, several times, or move away during the morning toilet. So if childbirth has already begun, and you still have not fixed the fact that the mucous plug comes out, it's okay: perhaps you simply did not notice it, or your birth plug is still in place, and will go away along with the fetal waters.

If you find a mucous plug exit, it is best not to go far from home, and be ready to quickly get ready for the maternity hospital. Try to pay more attention to personal hygiene - change your underwear and bedding more often, use a shower rather than a bath. And one more thing: you will have to give up sexual contacts, if such have taken place so far - the protection has been removed.

What should be alarming when the birth plug comes off?

The following situations may be a reason for an unscheduled visit to a doctor:

• If the birth plug consists mainly of blood or after the release of a mucous clot, profuse bleeding appears. This may indicate the process of detachment of the placenta;
• If the plug has come off earlier than 2 weeks before the expected due date. In this case, the possibility that premature labor begins is not excluded.
• If the discharge that you mistook for a birth cork is not jelly-like, but a liquid consistency, and appears constantly, intensifying with movement or tension of the abdominal muscles. It is possible that it is leaking amniotic fluid, which is dangerous for up to 37 weeks.

However, even in the case when one of the above-described abnormal situations occurs, one should not panic - modern medicine quite successfully copes with such problems, and most cases end in successful childbirth.

For expectant mothers, one of the main questions in the last month of pregnancy is "How to understand that labor is starting?" The main signs that the baby will soon be born are training contractions, "drooping of the abdomen" and, of course, the passage of the plug before.

What is a mucus plug?

The mucous plug is a kind of barrier between the environment and the child. It is formed in the cervix from the moment of pregnancy due to mucus, which begins to be intensively produced there under the influence of hormones. Over time, it "thickens" and it acquires a jelly or gelatinous consistency. The mucous plug throughout pregnancy protects the baby from infections that can be located directly in the vagina or attack him when the expectant mother is bathing in a pond or pool. Removal of the plug in front does not mean an automatic loss of the protective barrier, since this function is also performed by the fetal bladder and amniotic fluid. There is no reason to worry. Your baby is completely safe.

What does the cork look like before childbirth?

The mucus plug looks like a small gelatinous (jelly-like) lump about the size of a medium walnut. It can be yellowish white, beige, pinkish, or transparent. Often there are small streaks of blood in the mucous plug. Don't worry and sound the alarm. Their appearance is associated with minor traumatization of small vessels, which usually occurs during the shortening and maturation of the cervix before childbirth.

When does the plug come off during pregnancy?

How does the cork come off before childbirth?

Often, the mucous plug in pregnant women leaves during or after the morning toilet, when the body is still in a relaxed state and does not have time to finally wake up. In most cases, this happens simultaneously. The pregnant woman feels that something is "falling out" from the vagina and can see a small lump of mucus on her underwear.

Sometimes the mucous plug comes off gradually, in fragments over several days. Women simply note that vaginal discharge has become more intense and abundant. In such cases, pregnant women do not associate this process with the passage of the plug and are in full confidence that everything is still ahead.

And that, and the other option is also a variant of the norm.

Mucous plug and amniotic fluid: what's the difference?

The most important reason for the excitement of pregnant women who are preparing to become mothers for the first time is the fear of missing the start of labor or, even worse, giving birth here and now. That is why they often confuse the discharge of the mucous plug with the outpouring of amniotic fluid and at all times run to the maternity hospital. To avoid unnecessary worries and unnecessary visits to hospitals, you just need to know a few differences.

When does the plug come off and amniotic fluid appears?

The mucous plug in pregnant women usually goes away 1-2 weeks before delivery. Outpouring of amniotic fluid will occur immediately before childbirth.

What color is the cork and amniotic fluid?

The mucous plug can be yellowish-white, beige, pinkish or colorless, sometimes streaked with blood. Amniotic fluid is clear (normal).

What does the plug and amniotic fluid look like before childbirth?

The mucous plug is gelatinous, jelly-like, reminiscent of a jellyfish. Amniotic fluid is liquid.

How long does the cork leave before childbirth and how long does the amniotic fluid leak?

Discharge of the mucous plug before childbirth can occur simultaneously or in portions over several days in the form of increased vaginal discharge. Amniotic fluid leaks constantly, with coughing it can intensify.

It is advisable to know and remember all these differences, as they help expectant mothers to decide what to do next. In the event of an outpouring of amniotic fluid, it is necessary to collect the bag and go to the maternity hospital - the long-awaited meeting with the baby is about to happen.

The discharge of the mucous plug only indicates that the body is preparing for childbirth. There are no reasons for emergency fees and a trip to the hospital with flashing lights. Calm down, relax and continue enjoying one of the happiest times in your life - pregnancy. Just a little more, and the baby will delight you with his birth.

Pregnancy is the most exciting period in the life of any woman. It doesn't matter what the child will be like, any woman carrying a baby under her heart will say that all these 9 months she was under constant stress, excitement and tormented by fears. In order to somehow calm down the already unstable psyche, pregnant women are trying to find more and more information about their condition, read medical literature, communicate on women's forums, and ask questions on special services. The question: "If the second birth and the cork is gone, when the labor begins" - is almost one of the most popular among all the others. Let's try to figure it out and put everything on the shelves.

How do the second and subsequent births differ from the first?

The main difference between the second and subsequent births from the first, perhaps, is that the woman is already aware of the upcoming difficulties, she knows her body better and is less prone to senseless fears. However, no matter how mentally prepared you are, it is worth remembering that all pregnancies are different and things may not go as expected. Even the same woman can feel completely differently every time. It is quite possible that in the second pregnancy you will not be tormented by toxicosis, while the first time you just turned inside out. Or, for example, many mothers note that hateful stretch marks appeared in the second pregnancy, although they were avoided in the first.

As for physiology itself:

1. In the first pregnancy, labor pains last much longer (ideally, the neck opens by 1 cm in an hour). In subsequent births, opening occurs 2 times faster (taking into account that not too much time has passed between them).
2. The process of expulsion of the fetus from the uterus, that is, attempts, also in the second pregnancy lasts much less time, and they are less painful.

Therefore, remember the main thing - every time everything is different and not like the previous cases. Even if you have a second pregnancy and the plug has come off, it is very difficult to say when the labor will begin.

What happens in the last weeks of pregnancy

Starting at 38 weeks of gestation, the fetus is ready to exist outside the uterus, and from this time on, childbirth is considered timely. The placenta begins to age and loses its capacity, thus the baby receives a signal that it is time to go to his mother. But you should not interfere with this process - nature knows better when the best time for the baby is. This can happen at week 38 or at week 42.

Despite the fact that the last days are the most difficult, a pregnant woman feels a surge of strength, it becomes easier to breathe. This is due to the fact that the uterus descends and significantly relaxes the diaphragm. Before the very birth, the mucous plug gradually departs, which all this time reliably blocked the cervix. And to the question of many mothers "What to do if the cork has moved away and when will the birth begin in the second pregnancy?" the answer from the experts can be found in this article just below.

What is cork and what does it look like?

To be honest, our mothers did not even know that there was a certain cork, many did not even realize that those very strange discharge indicate the approach of childbirth. Fortunately, we live in the information age and can get almost any information that interests us. So what exactly is cork?

The plug - cervical mucus, which appears in the first weeks of pregnancy, thickens every day and, getting denser, turns into a kind of barrier. It is thanks to her that the entrance and exit to the cervix are reliably blocked. In the last stages of pregnancy, the plug begins to gradually recede, which indicates that the mother's body is ready for childbirth.

When does the cork come off?

It usually goes away a couple of days before giving birth, but sometimes the process can last up to a week. At the same time, a woman notices small clots of yellow, light brown color on underwear or panty liners. Blood streaks may also be present and do not pose any threat. Most likely they appeared with the expansion of the uterus and damage to the capillaries.

Once again, it is worth noting that even if the cork has departed, it is very difficult to say after how long the second birth will begin. Here it is necessary to look at the whole state of the woman as a whole. There are a number of other signs that an experienced gynecologist relies on when examining a pregnant woman.

What other harbingers of childbirth can be?

Let's say it's still far away until the next appointment at the antenatal clinic, and the expectant mother can't wait to find out when the birth will begin, if the cork has moved away. The second pregnancy is also wonderful in that an experienced woman, who is not waiting for the birth of a baby for the first time, knows very well about the so-called harbingers of childbirth. Here is a short list of what is observed before childbirth:

• the uterus descends, the woman notes that suddenly it became easier to breathe;
• the activity of the fetus decreases - the baby presses his whole body to the exit, freezes and waits in the wings;
• the woman's weight is somewhat reduced - edema and swelling disappear, the body gets rid of everything unnecessary;
• nesting syndrome - a woman suddenly feels a surge of strength, she wants to urgently make repairs or general cleaning in the apartment;
• Braxton-Hicks contractions are imaginary contractions that differ from the real ones by their non-periodicity and painlessness. Such contractions begin to bother a woman from 32 weeks;
• An eating disorder is another way to cleanse your body of unnecessary things before giving birth.

Naturally, all these signs are not observed in every woman, and childbirth can occur at the most unforeseen moment. At the same time, even if all the signs are present, the long-awaited meeting with the baby can drag on for several weeks. Therefore, if you have a second birth and the cork is gone, only a doctor can tell when labor starts, because the most obvious signs of labor are softening and shortening of the cervix, the opening and flow of amniotic fluid.

Second birth: the traffic jam came off and contractions began, what should I do?

As we already wrote above, the cork can go away a week before the expected birth, but it also happens that this happens immediately before childbirth and contractions begin immediately. As soon as you notice that they do not stop, but on the contrary, each time they become more and more intense, this is already a real birth. You should immediately call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself. You need to be especially vigilant to be multiparous, because the second birth always lasts much less time.

When should you sound the alarm?

Not every time the cork comes off is considered the norm. A pregnant woman should always be on the alert and be able to distinguish cervical mucus from other kinds of secretions. So, you should immediately call an ambulance and go to the maternity ward in cases where:

1. The plug began to recede before 37 weeks - this indicates a premature birth.
2. There is spotting (both in large and in small quantities) - a clear sign of placental abruption and, as a result, immediate hospitalization.
3. Along with the cork, water has moved away - this also applies to those cases when they do not flow out completely, but slightly leak. Damage to the integrity of the bladder and infection of the child is possible.

The cork is gone - when to wait for childbirth (second pregnancy): the opinion of the gynecologist

To summarize from all of the above, the release of the mucous plug is not an accurate indicator of the onset of immediate labor. The baby can be born in a couple of hours or in a week. This is rather a clear sign that the body of the expectant mother is ready for such an important process and there is very little time left. Even if the birth is the second and the cork is gone, when the labor begins, it is very difficult to say without examination on the gynecological chair.

Any pregnant woman awaits the onset of labor with a kind of trepidation and fear. Some think that this moment would come sooner, others want to wait a little longer. But in any case, no matter how you prepare for childbirth, they always come unexpectedly.

How to understand that the cork has come off? How and for how long does the mucous plug go away before childbirth? Should I go to the hospital right away or wait any longer?

So many questions give rise to panic, which only aggravates the situation, increasing tension, almost leading to hysteria, which is extremely harmful for both mother and baby.

That is why, in order to prepare and know exactly how to be and what to do, it is necessary to arm yourself with knowledge in advance.

Many women preparing for childbirth for the first time have heard that some kind of cork should go away before giving birth, but at the same time they have no idea what it is, what it looks like, and do not even imagine how the cork comes off before childbirth and what the cork means. ...

So what is it - a traffic jam during pregnancy?

At the very beginning of pregnancy mucus accumulates in the cervix, or rather, the uterus itself produces it when.

This mucus accumulates and thickens, tightly clogging the cervix, as if sealing it, blocking the path of any infection from the vagina, thereby protecting the unborn child.

This cork looks like a piece of mucus, jelly, or jellyfish. In principle, there is very little of it, about two tablespoons. It usually has a white-yellowish color., may have an admixture of blood or streaks of pink or pure white (each woman is purely individual).

How long does the plug take off? It is impossible to say exactly how long the traffic jam takes. It departs for everyone in different ways and at different times. Many women may not even notice that the cork has ALREADY come off. After all, this can happen when going to the toilet (then you feel like something has dropped out).

Often, the mucous plug comes off while taking a morning shower, at this moment, too, you may not feel or see anything. Only if the cork has come off at night or during the day, when you are in your underwear, you can see a piece of mucus on your panties.

Not all corks come off entirely, this can happen in stages, the cork comes off in parts, that is, in such small quantities that only increased mucus secretion can be noticed on the panties.

But for many pregnant women, the plug may not come off at all, and then the obstetrician or doctor who is taking delivery will remove it with his own hand. And it happens that the cork comes off along with the waters, and then it can also be overlooked.

If you nevertheless notice that the cork has come off, - do not panic, this does not mean at all that childbirth will come immediately, you may have as many as 2 weeks in stock, especially if the deadline has not yet come.

If the loose cork is normal white or yellowish in color(sometimes streaked with blood), and after that the water did not leave and the contractions did not come, then it's okay, you can relax.

However, for personal peace of mind, you should still go to the doctor and find out how soon you will have labor and whether everything is in order. Depending on the general course of pregnancy, the doctor will give specific recommendations or send to the hospital.

Do not forget that detached mucous plug yet the fact that childbirth will come soon and the moment is near when you will take your treasure in your hands.

So, it is better not to go far from home, go on a trip and generally travel by transport. Review the packages that you have prepared for the hospital, whether everything is in place, whether everything is prepared at home, and wait.

But if, after the mucous plug, water has departed or contractions have begun, then you will have to go to the hospital immediately.

And one more thing: if the discharge of the mucous plug is accompanied by bloody discharge of a scarlet color (the plug with blood comes off), while quite abundant, then you should consult a doctor immediately.

Although streaks of blood in the mucous plug are normal (when the cervix is ​​preparing for childbirth, it expands, as a result of which capillaries may burst), it should not be. So, in the event of such a problem, call an ambulance immediately.

Remember - attentive attitude to yourself and your health, close observation of your own body- the guarantee of a successful delivery and the health of your baby. Therefore, if mucous discharge appears, do not panic in vain, calm down, remember the information received and act in accordance with the assessment of the situation.

Very soon you will become a mother, and this is an incomparable sensation, because you will take responsibility for one more life.

Expert commentary

The separation of the mucous plug from the vagina indicates the harbingers of childbirth. Moreover, no matter in what time frame. begin by the same mechanism as physiological or belated.

The mucous plug is formed from the secretion of the cervical glands... It is a thick, jelly-like mass that fills the entire cervical canal. The secretion of the cervical glands is constantly maintained by high levels of estrogens and gestagens, hormones responsible for the growth and maturation of the fetus.

Thus, the mucous plug is not an accumulation of thick liquid formed from the very beginning of pregnancy. The secretion of cervical cells occurs in a continuous mode, and the mucous plug always remains "fresh".

It fills the inside of the cervix with a length of 4-5 centimeters: completely, leaving no gaps between the walls of the canal. There are antibodies in the mucus- immune cells that neutralize pathogens.

Before labor begins, the balance of female hormones changes. There are significantly more estrogens than progestogens. That is, the process of fruit ripening is considered complete and canceled. Under the action of estrogens, the mucous plug is liquefied. with its subsequent separation.

In primiparous and multiparous women the separation of the mucous plug proceeds in different ways.

The fact is that the cervix that has not gone through the process of childbirth in nulliparous pregnant women has a smaller channel diameter, and its walls are dense enough that hold the mucus so firmly that the mucous plug leaves either with blood or in parts.

At the same time, prenatal structural changes in the cervical canal occur, which are accompanied by the separation of epithelial cells. This is accompanied by minor bleeding. therefore nulliparous note streaks of blood in insignificant thick secretions.

In women who have given birth the inner surface of the cervical canal is elastic. The integumentary epithelium is loosened, and the intercellular spaces are able to stretch. Therefore, the mucous plug in women giving birth departs instantly and bloodlessly.

Regardless of parity (number of births) the separation of the mucous plug from the cervical canal in pregnant women is painless.

Exception from general cases are women with lesions of the cervical canal... Scars on the inner lining of the cervix are formed as a result of its forcible expansion during abortion or inflammatory lesions of cervical cells with Trichomonas infection.

Much less often bloody discharge in women who have given birth again when the mucous plug leaves associated with the presence of the cervix.

Normal discharge of the mucous plug occurs 3-5 days before the onset of labor... The amount of thick liquid is negligible. No more than ovulation. Because ovulatory mucus fills the cervical canal, the size of which remains unchanged during pregnancy.

The separation of the mucous plug indicates hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman, which provide labor, canceling the process of carrying a child. This process is physiological and does not require medical intervention.

At the same time, with discharge from the genital tract, not examined under a microscope, it is impossible to distinguish where they came from: from the cervical canal or from the uterus?

The amniotic fluid sometimes drains before the onset of labor.

The separation of the mucous plug does not mean that the protection of the fetus from the vaginal microflora is impaired, since the second and more important barrier is the dense membrane of the fetal bladder.

And here when the amniotic membrane is torn(which also happens absolutely painlessly), the risk of infection of the fetus becomes irreversible and increases steadily. The time of the anhydrous period is counted in hours and minutes.

It is impossible to determine what kind of vaginal discharge appeared at home. Therefore, when they appear, you should note the exact time and call an ambulance. A mucous membrane is a plug or amniotic fluid - only a doctor can determine.