How to speed up labor after losing mucus plug

So, you’ve lost your mucus plug, and now you can’t wait to meet your new baby! You could try some things to speed things up, but most options aren’t proven to. In this blog, we’re looking into how to speed up labor after losing your mucus plug.

This blog includes:

• What is a mucus plug?
• What does the mucus plug look like?
• How long after losing the mucus plug does labor start?
• What to do after losing mucus plug
• How to speed up labor after losing mucus plug
• What is a mucus plug membrane sweep?
• Things to avoid after losing mucus plug
• Early signs of labor to look out for

We’ll let you know what the mucus plug is and what it looks like. We’ll also let you know some suggestions that might help you along the way.

What is a mucus plug?

A mucus plug forms in every pregnant woman. It is, exactly how it sounds, an amount of mucus that collects and sits in the cervical canal. This mucus stays there until the end of pregnancy, when it releases.

The mucus plug begins forming in early pregnancy, offering protection from the start. The mucus plug sits between the uterus and vagina. The plug aims to reduce the risk of infections reaching the baby. The baby sits in an amniotic sac containing fluid which also helps to reduce the risk of infection.

What does the mucus plug look like?

The mucus plug will usually release after around 37 weeks of pregnancy. For some women, the mucus plug may not release until they are actually in labour. You should seek medical advice if your mucus plug releases before the 37-week mark. Losing your mucus plug too soon could lead to preterm labor or infection.

When your mucus plug falls, it will likely look like this:

• Clear or slightly bloody liquid (the blood can vary in colour) – can be referred to as a bloody show.
• A sticky consistency, potentially stringy and 1 -2 inches in length
• May not have a smell

You should seek medical advice if you notice a bad smell or begin to experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. These can be signs that something isn’t quite right. Contact a healthcare provider immediately and ask for advice.

Some women notice their mucus plug discharge release in one go, whereas others may notice it over a longer period of time. Every woman is different, so you shouldn’t compare your experience to someone else’s. Your mucus plug is also different to regular vaginal discharge.

How long after losing the mucus plug does labor start?

The mucus plug can release at any time during pregnancy. As we mentioned earlier, you should seek advice if you lose the plug before the 37-week mark.

Your labor could start at any time after you lose your mucus plug. Some pregnant women may go into labour just days later, while others could wait weeks. Therefore, you shouldn’t use the mucus plug release to indicate imminent labor.

Some women may even find that they lose their mucus plug, and then it reforms; this is quite normal.

What to do after losing mucus plug

The advice is different depending on when you lose your cervical mucus plug. If you lose your mucus plug earlier than 37 weeks, seek medical advice. Healthcare professionals will give you advice.

If you lose your mucus plug after 37 weeks, let your doctor know. They may tell you that you can sit tight and wait for labor. Many women look for ways to speed up labor after losing their mucus plug. You should ensure that everything you do is safe. Check with your midwife if you feel unsure.

Remember that your baby will arrive when they are ready, so you’re usually better off waiting and following healthcare advice.

How to speed up labor after losing mucus plug

It’s best to check with a healthcare provider before trying these methods to ensure they are safe for you. You should not try these ways to induce labor if you are still less than 37 weeks pregnant, as you do not want to risk premature labour.

Using a birthing ball

Birthing balls are fantastic to use during pregnancy. Many women use a birthing ball during labour too, as it can help to ease pains. During labour, you may find it difficult to find a comfortable position. A birth ball/exercise ball can give you a new position to sit in during labour.

Exercise

Exercise can sometimes help to bring labor on; however, it’s important not to do anything too strenuous. A simple walk can help to get things moving. You might want to look into curb walking to induce labor.

Eating dates

Some women find that eating dates during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy can help to speed things up. Dates are a sweet fruit filled with fibre, and they also contain vitamin K and iron. The fibre can help to keep your digestive system at bay.

Sexual intercourse

You should avoid sex if your mucus plug has released. However, it can help to speed up labour in the first instance as it allows the cervix to dilate. This is due to a release of the hormone oxytocin. Avoid having sex if your waters have already broken and your plug has released. When your waters break, you should seek medical advice. If you are before 37 weeks, you may require medical intervention. Nipple stimulation may also help to bring on the labor process.

What is a mucus plug membrane sweep?

You’ve probably already heard of a membrane sweep and may have even been advised to have one. During a sweep, a doctor or midwife will insert one finger into the cervix and complete sweeping motions.

Usually, a membrane sweep is used when the baby is overdue. Some women have them at 40 and 41 weeks pregnant. The sweep aims to create some movement to separate the amniotic sac from the cervix. This can help to induce labor. Walking after a membrane sweep can also help to get things moving.

Some women may experience some discomfort and light bleeding after a membrane sweep. You can chat with a midwife to ensure that everything is OK. Some women will find that they lose their mucus plug after having a sweep. Some women have a labor induction at 42 weeks.

Things to avoid after losing mucus plug

There are many myths about how to speed up labour, and some of them really aren’t viable or advised. They are not recommended at any point of pregnancy, let alone to speed up labor.

Avoid the following:

• Raspberry leaf tea
• Castor oil
• Evening primrose oil

Some of these may be unsafe for you and your baby, so you should avoid them before or after losing your mucus plug. Read more about things to avoid after losing your mucus plug.

Early signs of labor to look out for

If you’ve already lost your mucus plug, we’re sure you’re very excited to have your little baby. You might be searching for some early signs of labor. Here are a few signs you can look out for.

Experiencing labor contractions

These will begin as irregular uterine contractions. As you enter the active stage of labour, they will become more frequent and intense. You can chat with your healthcare provider about how best to deal with contractions. They may offer you some relief as you start labor.

Experiencing the mucus plug fall

Look out for the discharge you may notice as your mucus plug releases. As we mentioned, you could still be waiting for a day or even weeks before labour starts from this moment.

Backache

Backache can be common in labour due to increased pressure. As your baby prepares for birth, they will increase pressure on your pelvis and spine. Again, speak to your midwife to see if any pain relief can be offered.

Needing to go to the toilet

Similarly to the above sign, as your baby drops lower, they also increase pressure around your abdomen and bowel. This can cause you to need the toilet more often. Seek advice quickly if you notice any severe cramping or begin bleeding heavily.

You may also experience diarrhea. This is caused by hormones and contractions. To find out how long after diarrhea you typically go into labour, you can read our article, “How soon after loose bowels did you go into labor?”

Waters breaking

When your water breaks, the amniotic sac is opened, and the fluid you see is known as amniotic fluid. For some women, the liquid is released slowly, and you may notice a trickle. For others, it can be more of a gush as the liquid is released.

Some women may experience nausea and vomiting too. Read our blog on: is nausea a sign of labor?

It’s recommended that you monitor all of your early labor symptoms. You should always seek advice if you become unsure of anything and need support. It can help to have a birthing partner with you to help you with monitoring and relaxation techniques. You may find that they notice other labor symptoms.

There are three stages of the birth process. The first stage is known as ‘early labor’, the second stage is known as ‘active labor’ and the final labor stage is called the ‘established phase’. As these stages pass, labor begins, and the cervix prepares for birth through cervical dilation. Your cervical dilation is used to measure your labor progress.

You must seek medical advice if your waters break, you are bleeding vaginally, have noticed reduced movements, or haven’t reached 37 weeks and are experiencing signs of labour. You may require medical attention to keep you and your baby safe.

The early stage of labour can take some time, so you should call the hospital for advice on when to arrive. The midwife will let you know when is right, so they can continue to monitor you.

We hope this blog has been useful regarding how to speed up labor after losing your mucus plug. Don’t forget to seek advice before trying anything to speed up your labour. Your baby will arrive when they are ready to!