A mucus plug is a thick and jelly like collection of mucus which forms in your cervix during pregnancy.
The mucus plug that forms in the cervix during pregnancy acts as a protective seal, which blocks bacteria and infection from your uterus and protects the baby.
The mucus plug during pregnancy is composed of cervical mucus and antibodies, which create a natural barrier to safeguard the baby in the womb.
Then you gradually lose the mucus plug, which can happen gradually or even as a glob, and the mucus plug often also appears as a clear, pink or even brown or blood streaked discharge and signals that your cervix is now softening in preparation for labor.
Although labor is not always immediate after losing your mucus plug.
The mucus plug looks clear, off white, yellowish, pink, brown or tinged with red.
The texture of your mucus plug is thick, sticky, stringy, or even jelly like and similar to raw egg whites.
The amount of the mucus plug can range from a small amount or even a tablespoon or two.
The role and purpose of the mucus plug during pregnancy is to seal the cervical canal, and prevent bacteria, viruses and other pathogens from entering your uterus.
Your mucus plug also contains antimicrobial properties which further fight infections.
When you lose your mucus plug during pregnancy it's a sign of impending labor.
As losing your mucus plug indicates that the cervix is now starting to thin and open up, but labor can still be days or even weeks away when you lose your mucus plug.
You should note the color and consistency of your mucus plug, but it's usually very normal and contact your doctor if you have any heavy, bright red bleeding that is more than a couple of tablespoons.