mucus plug- what does it look like?

Mrs.Reem

Ummmm... I think I lost my mucus plug tonight. It has me feeling a little tense. Hopefully that's not what it was, but this glop of snot looking stuff mixed with a little blood is completely foreign to me.  (did not lose it before my water broke with previous pregnancy)

Is that what it is supposed to look like or am I describing something totally normal?

Can it grow back? I'm only almost 25wks.

Is it a sure sign that I'm dilating or not necessarily?

I've had back pain off an on all day but I've also been very active and carrying Katen around a lot the past two days. The pain isn't something that is unbearable or even that needs Tylenol. Just mildly annoying... although I didn't feel contractions when I had that really bad bladder infection and didn't feel much until I was dilated to a 6 with Katen. hmmm...

It's going to be okay, right? I hate it that weird stuff always happens at night. Regardless I'm waiting until morning to call my OB/Peri but wanted to see what some of you with more experience thought. I think maybe my insecurity with this pregnancy is just making a fool of me but it's hard to say.

That and the last ER visit cost me over $2K. As a SAHM those chunks of cash are a little hard to swallow just for a "humor my insecurity check."

marcuej

That sounds like your mucus plug to me.  Google mucus plug and you can find some pics of what they look like.  I think they vary in size, etc.  I would definitely call your doc in the morning, but as far as I know, it doesn't necessarily mean labor is imminent.  It can still take awhile for things to get going. 

skoorbnibor

yes, it looks like that and yes, it can grow back. I am torn, I want to tell you to call the OB... but then they might tell you to come in...

Take it easy tomorrow, will you?? 

DavezWife

I have heard many times it looks like a thick booger chunk. I have heard just as many times that it does "grow" back, and that it does NOT necessarily mean labor is right around the corner.

I also get what you're saying about not spending the money.

BUT with your history... I would lay VERY VERY VERY low and not move a muscle, lady. Seriously.

Try to keep us informed if you can, hon. Thinking of you.

skoorbnibor

Angie, I just googled and several reputable sources suggest calling your doctor if you are less than 36 weeks...or have a history of preterm labor.

I really want you to call your ob.... Like I REALLY want you to call.. I dont want to be alarmist.... but it can be a sign of an abruption or previa... Likely it isnt... BUT....

efooey

Sounds like MP to me.  No info on important stuff, but I'd recommend calling.

E 

Mrs.Reem

Well... hmmm. I think I'm going to puke after googling the pics.  LOL!!!   I honestly didn't think of googling because, I mean, who puts their pics out there? ...but yeah, people do. I feel like I just invaded their privacy or something.

I'm torn. I know they'll tell me to head to maternal triage. My cervix was at 2.9 last check.  I don't want to put the baby in danger. On the other hand it could be nothing. It seems in most cases, from what I'm reading, contractions wouldn't start for weeks anyway so I can probably safely wait until at least morning. Maybe then I can negotiate with my peri to just work me into the schedule for the day.

 

jlh123

I'd call your OB.  I lost mine around 27 weeks.  They weren't too concerned because at the time I wasn't in PTL (I had just saw them that day for my sciatica nerve pain).  They told me if you're not in PTL that it'll likely replenish itself.  Well as of last week, I am in PTL, cervix has softened and I'm dilated to 1.  Still mucus plug meant not too much to them at the time.  They said it could be a warning that something may start, or it may not be.  But there's nothing you really can do about the plug, nature will take it's course.  But obviously they can do something if you are in PTL like I am now (medications and so forth).

crystalgirl

I don't have any advice to add, but I will pray for you tonight.  Please update us tomorrow (or whenever you call your OB/Peri), so we know that things are okay. 

Mrs.Reem

jlh123:

I'd call your OB.  I lost mine around 27 weeks.  They weren't too concerned because at the time I wasn't in PTL (I had just saw them that day for my sciatica nerve pain).  They told me if you're not in PTL that it'll likely replenish itself.  Well as of last week, I am in PTL, cervix has softened and I'm dilated to 1.  Still mucus plug meant not too much to them at the time.  They said it could be a warning that something may start, or it may not be.  But there's nothing you really can do about the plug, nature will take it's course.  But obviously they can do something if you are in PTL like I am now (medications and so forth).

I called my peri this morning and he said pretty much what you said. 

Right now there's no emergency. They're aware my cervix is a little short but wouldn't take any course of action until actual contractions started. I'm on as much preventative measure as they can offer (p17shots) so unless I see smoke....there's no fire.  He's going to call over to my OB office to see if they can get me in for a NST any sooner than his office can, and we'll go from there. No lifting, exercising, flood my body with water, call back with any discomfort whatsoever, etc.

eriness`

Take it easy young lady!  If you need anything, let me know! 

I lost mine about 5 the night I went into labor.  Didn't realize it, just kinda went, huh, goopy, and on with my night.  Looking back, I had signs it was going to happen.  More back pain than normal, swollen feet, lost MP, tummy issues.  

Please be careful and take it easy!  

Mrs.Reem

Thanks erin!   My mom should be here any minute and I'm heading in for my NST when she gets here. Hopefully they'll give me a clean bill of health and send me home happy.