Birth Bound

A million times yes!!!
A birth is a birth no matter
Where
When
Who
How

As long as YOU KNOW that you have that option, you can achieve the birth that was meant for you!

“I do not care what kind of birth you have...a homebirth, scheduled cesarean, epidural hospital birth, or if you birth alone in the woods next to baby deer. I care that you had options, that you were supported in your choices, and that you were respected." -January Harshe

Image by Melissa Jean Photography (Australia).

Losing your mucus plug (or bloody show) can be an exciting, adrenaline filled moment. But be sure to look for other signs of labor or distress before assuming anything. :) when did you lose your plug? Or did you even notice?

🅃🄷🄴 🄱🄸🅁🅃🄷 🅂🄴🄰🄻
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The mucus plug is a thick mucus, secreted by the cervix, to protect the mothers womb and baby during pregnancy.
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The mucus plug carries antibodies that are able to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing agents.
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The mucus plug starts to build immediately upon pregnancy but does not reach its full size until you’re about 12 weeks along.
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It acts as a barrier at the opening of the cervix and it stays there until your cervix starts to make changes, like dilating and/or softening. This usually happens in late pregnancy but can happen sooner than that.
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The mucus plug can regenerate itself if it’s dislodged too soon before birth. Which is important to keep in mind if you lose your mucus plug early. And you should mention it to your provider if this happens before late pregnancy as it can be an indicator of preterm labor.
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The mucus plug can be about 4 centimeters long. You can lose it in pieces or all at once.
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The mucus plug looks different for every woman but it can vary from white, yellowish, beige/brown, clear and be tinged or streaked with pink or red which is associated with blood.
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The consistency is similar to a thick snot or egg whites.
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Losing your mucus plus is not a sure sign that labor is coming soon. Although some women report going into labor fairly soon after losing their plug in late pregnancy. It’s more of a sign that the cervix is making some changes. ❀
You may not lose your plug at all until well into active labor and that’s perfectly normal.
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You can also lose this protective barrier sooner than your body intended to when you consent to routine cervical exams during pregnancy when checking for dilation/effacement/station.
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Losing your mucus plug is usually painless and odorless and there’s no need to avoid baths or s*x.
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Heavy bleeding before or after losing your plug is not normal and you should contact your provider immediately.
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PhotoCred: Nurturing Beginnings Birth Doula