In daily work, pregnant mothers in the third trimester often come to ask: This morning there is a lot of cervical mucus, does this mean that she is about to give birth?
In fact, in the third trimester, many pregnant women will notice a sudden increase in cervical mucus, which is the mucus plug of the cervical mouth flowing out, does this mean that it is going to give birth?
What is a cervical mucus plug?
Cervical mucus plug is a very sticky colorless or yellow transparent thick liquid secreted by the cervix, which is a special protective substance produced during pregnancy, when the pregnant mother is pregnant, the cervix will become softer and longer, the secretion of mucus plug is to plug the uterine opening that is, the cervical opening, play a role in sealing the cervical canal, can effectively block bacteria, thereby protecting the fetus from bacteria.
Studies have shown that mucus plugs themselves also have antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria such as Streptococcus B and E. coli, acting as a natural barrier between the fetus and bacteria.
What is the outflow of cervical mucus plugs?
As childbirth approaches, the cervix begins to expand, and cervical mucus plugs are discharged through the vagina - a small amount of thick mucus, some pregnant mothers are discharged in pieces at one time, and some pregnant mothers are discharged in the form of increased vaginal secretions in a few days, and the main purpose of cervical mucus embolus is to make the female cervix soft and thinner, so as to have better fertility.
How to distinguish between cervical mucus plugs and vaginal discharge?
The vaginal discharge is thin, colorless and transparent, which is the vaginal discharge that is usually more common. Cervical mucus plugs are mostly excreted when the cervix is about to give birth, due to cervical dilation, which is more viscous, yellowish in color, and relatively concentrated than the usual vaginal discharge.
Reminder: If the fetus is not yet full term, it is necessary to protect the fetus after the outflow of cervical mucus plugs, and it is best to consult a doctor in the hospital.
How long does it take for cervical mucus plugs to be released?
If cervical mucus is found to be excreted before childbirth, it generally means that it is not far from delivery, but the physical condition of each pregnant woman is different, some pregnant women will give birth within 2-3 days, and some pregnant women will take longer, about 1 week.
Therefore, pregnant mothers cannot judge the time of delivery based on the discharge of cervical mucus plugs, but also combine water breakdowns, regular contractions and labor pain to speculate on the time of delivery, and seek medical treatment in time.