Mucus Plug or Close to Labor ? Help Please :-(

Updated on June 14, 2010
S.B. asks from Gainesville, FL
20 answers

Ok heres the deal, I am 38 weeks, will be 39 weeks this thursday and am due the 24th. This is my first baby and I am clueless as to whats going on with my body. Two days ago I noticed a slight pink discharge in my panties, and the next day the discharge turned darker brown...wasn't a whole lot just a bit. I called my doctor and she said its normal that I may be starting to lose my mucus plug, however to me it does not look like mucus it just looks and feels like the beginning of a menstrual cycle. Then all yesterday afternoon there was nothing, and this morning after getting up and going to the bathroom when I wiped it was actual blood, not a whole lot but enough to look like I just started a period. Nothing to me is looking like mucus, and I haven't had sex since last week...so I am getting kind of scared and kind of paranoid...does this sound like I am losing my mucus plug ? I am still working full time by the way, is this a reason to maybe call off today and take it easy ? I don't think I have gotten any contractions so far...of course I don't know what they are supposed to feel like either. Last night at work I was feeling really down, like really hot and flushed, headache...and like I said I have a feeling in my lower stomach that almost feels like what you get when you get your period. Any help would be appreciated, this is all new to me and it makes it worse that I am already terrified of labor.

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So What Happened?

Thank you guys, I have been feeling more and more pressure in my lower back and abdomen, I think time is getting near....I am trying to rest but went into crazy super nesting mode and started cleaning the room for the baby again and sweeping the house...I think pregnancy makes us crazy ! hehe ...To answer one of the posts, no we don't get paid disability 4 weeks before, that would be wonderful. So I am still working because of money and also because I would go stir crazy if I had to sit home all day and just think about when the baby will finally get here. I don't get paid maternity leave either but I can use all the sick/vacation/personal hours I have accumulated and that'll get me about 6 weeks paid time off...not too bad for where I work I guess.

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B.S.

answers from Houston on

The mucous plug really does look like mucous. It's gross. It was clear with streaks of brown and red, but mostly clear (Sorry if TMI). I lost mine about 2 weeks before having my son. It wasn't like being on my period. It was thick and slimey and there was a lot of it. It took about 3 days before all was gone. I had my son via c-section 4 weeks early do to pre-eclampsia. So for some women it means labor is right around the corner---others not. I hope this helps. If you are concerned I would go to the doctor.

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J.R.

answers from Miami on

Hi. Congratulations. I won't repeat what is below, only to say I went through the same thing the weeks leading up to...The day before I gave birth I also had sharp pains and could barely walk. (It looked like, forgive me, that I had too much sex the way i waddled :). Just know you are not alone.

Take it easy as much as you can. Go to bed early. I made a mistake. As a nite owl, I went to bed at 2 am and then woke at 4 when my water broke. So try to get as much sleep as possible.

HTH. GL.
Blessings, Jilly

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M.N.

answers from Chicago on

I would go to the hospital I had bleeding with my daughter and they couldn't find the location. It ended up being an abruption. If I hadnt gone in both myself and em could have been in real danger. I respect your dr but my bf just left her dr because the situation wasnt a good one. Questions weren't answered and no info was given to make her feel comfortable. She found an incredible doc and is VERY happy plus feeling VEry safe. Just go to the hospital the worst they can do is run some tests make sure you dont have an abruption and send you home but atleast YOU will have the piece of mind your ok and the babies ok. please let us know your ok!!

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R.M.

answers from Nashville on

If you are scared, go to the doctor. Just because baby is full term does not mean to ignore bleeding or funny feelings. It sounds normal, but even a doctor can't tell you for sure what is going on just from a description, and we aren't doctors. They need to see you to know for sure what is going on. Pay attention to what is in the toilet after you use it, not so much what is on your panties. I lost mine when I peed. But just call your doctor, tell them you are worried and not feeling quite right, and they should see you no problem.

Don't be terrified, it will be over before you know it and you will have this beautiful baby to show for it. I was always so worried about not knowing if I was in labor or not knowing when to go. I am looking forward to the next one being so much easier now that I know what is going on! But there is no reason to sit and worry about something when the doctor can put your mind at ease. Good luck!

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H.P.

answers from Orlando on

S.,
First, congrats on the new baby!!
When I lost my plug with my first, it was really runny, not mucousy (sp?) at all. So I freaked too....it was so watery, that I thought it was my water breaking & went to the hospital. So not everyone's plug will be mucousy. Keep that in mind. But I would let your doc know that you are having red blood. My doc said that I should go to the hospital if I have enough blood to soak a pad. It doesnt sound like that is the case with you. But I still would let him/her know.
Good luck!! I wish you a speedy labor!!
H.

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T.A.

answers from Toledo on

It sounds like your mucus plug! I lost mine the weekend after I was due and still had to be induced the following Thursday. So I don't think that it necessarily means that labor is going to start soon. I was still working up until I delivered and it didn't pose any problems. Good luck!

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B.P.

answers from New York on

Have you had any Braxton Hicks recently? I had one the day before I went into labor. You can loose your plug anytime, usually it happens right before or during the early stages of labor. In my case it was like a big bloody booger (I know, that sounds really gross) and it happened when I first went into labor. It will feel like you are getting your period. So you could go into labor anytime. Also, I am not sure what your states laws are but in my state, NJ, disability covers you 4 weeks before your due date and 8-10 weeks after. I wonder why you are still working? Personally, I would go out on disability asap since the first week is not paid and you have to use vacation and personal time anyway. Take it easy girl, the exciting times are coming!

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L.M.

answers from New York on

The pink discharge sounds like it could be the mucus plug and a little spotting after that wouldn't be anything to worry about. However, if you do start bleeding (like a normal period) call your doctor!

As far as working, if you have a job where you are on your feet a lot, you should take the day off and take it easy. And not that you really can, but no lifting.

It's not unusual to have very minor contractions (to me they felt like mild menstrual cramps) for many days before you go into labor. It's your body preparing itslef.

Since it's so close to the end of your pregnancy, I'm sure you have an appointment scheduled for next week, if not, call Monday morning and make one. Have a great relaxing weekend! Don't worry, its not good for you or your baby.

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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

If you are worried, I would go into your Dr. and have them look at you. It does not help you to be worried and stressed at this stage. If you aren't feeling well, and this doesn't feel right - just go to them and get checked out. Don't wait!

I did not have any disharge beforemy daughter's birth, so I can't give an opinion about that. My water just broke and labor started (you'll know it when you feel it!) Please don't be terrified of labor, we are made to do this! Your body is amazing and capable of delivering this baby.

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R.D.

answers from Richmond on

I have no idea what a mucous plug looks like either, but they say it looks like... snot. As long as you have no bright red discharge or your water breaks, I wouldn't worry too much about funny discharge this late in the game (just wait until what you'll see AFTER baby comes!) If you're feeling okay, keep working... but the way you just described, it's probably time to start taking it easy. Rest as much as you can now sweetie, bc all of that's about to change! Congrats and best wishes! Don't stress, just relaaax :)

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C.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

It does sound like you are losing your mucus plug.. Yea it does not look like mucus really on the whole.. It is also called 'bloody show', which to me sounds more like what it looks like. It does sound like you are just starting labor.
When I had my daughter I was terrified, and I did fine. Just remember to focus on your little person, and what it will feel like to hold your little dream in your arms.. Hang in there. You are gonna do great!!!

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K.E.

answers from Spokane on

All pregnancy books that I've read say that mucus is normal at the end of pregnancy. BUT---when it turns pink or starts getting blood streaks in it, you are usually 24-48 hours from feeling your first contractions. That said, you might take a little longer, but you are definitely gearing up. I would just proceed with life, but make sure bags are packed, house is clean, whatever you need to get done before you head off to the hospital. This baby is coming, and soon!

K.

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D.P.

answers from Gainesville on

if your doctor said its fine i wouldnt really worry yes it does sounds a bit like your MP,you shouldnt be terrified of labor its a beautiful and wonderful to be able to go through now i grant you its got pain with it but you will for get all about it when they hand you the baby for the first time i know i sure did and i to was terrified with both my girls my youngest 9 months and i couldnt even tell you a thing about the pain i had i know i had it but dont remember anything else about it and i went natural.if your really that worried call your doctor again and tell her what happen today and the rest and see what she tells you again.. and make sure your rest as much as your can cause you wont be gettin a much as you did once your baby come.good luck hope this helps.god bless

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R.B.

answers from Chicago on

Sounds like the beginning stages of labor. Good Luck.

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S.S.

answers from Miami on

Just relax and let your body do what it's supposed to do. By the time you read this you may already be in labor. Trust your body....Good Luck. Remember opt out of Hep B at birth and plenty of tummy time for to build all future skills.

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T.B.

answers from Miami on

Labor is messy. I wish my friends had been very honest about how messy it really is. Sounds very normal to me. You are getting paranoid and worked up for nothing. Your doctor has already reassured you that all is fine. The ache in your abdomen sounds like contractions to me. They can feel like cramps. Every woman is different. My sister had her first baby last year and she was in labor for a week feeling like she was having menstrual cramps. I have 3 children and my labors began with either my water breaking or contractions first. Hang in there and use this time wisely. Get your bag ready if you have not already and try to rest as much as you can. Labor can be long and exhausting the first time around.

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S.H.

answers from San Antonio on

First of all, congratulations. Don't be terrified of labor, that's not productive and your mindset matters. Think of it this way: Every single human being since the beginning of time has come from a laboring mother (with the exception of c-sections in very recent history). Labor is a commune with all mothers, all across the world and you can ask for strength. This is something your body is made to do, so you don't have to worry!

It sounds like you're close to holding your baby in your arms for the first time.

Congratulations!

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C.M.

answers from Orlando on

You need to call your midwife or doctor with those questions. That's what you pay them for. They know you and your history. Call now:)

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S.W.

answers from Miami on

The beginning of labor feels like cramps. Well, they are contractions. Keep up with your OB every day. Make an appointment so he/she can check you.
Sounds to me that you will have a relatively easy and quick birth.
Many Blessings.
PS. Don't give into the fear of birth. Just because it hurts like heck, your doctor will order some pain relief. Go the OB asap and discuss your "fears" and what remedies are available to you. The nursing staff has been there, done that; and will help aleviate your anxiety.

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R.W.

answers from Tampa on

Relax, it sounds like the musus plug to me. But I would for sure get into the doctor on Monday and be checked out. Also contractions start out as a mild discomfort and then it increases over time. Some people just pop them out without any pain at all and others have hard labors. After the doctor says everything is okay start walking every day. The more you walk the easier the labor will be. You don't say if you can feel the baby moving or not. If the baby isn't moving then I would be concerned. If there is normal movement then it is more than likely your mucus plug that is causing the blood. But the main thing is to relax..Childbirth is a natural thing and the more relaxed you are the easier it will be for you. After the baby is born and you have it in your arms the labor won't be a big deal any longer. Good Luck!!!

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