Sometimes as early as two to four weeks before birth, your baby’s head will drop deeper into your pelvis which puts pressure on your cervix to ripen or soften to prepare for labour. Should you find that you have in fact lost your plug before the very end of your pregnancy, be sure to mention it to your midwife as this can be an indicator of preterm labour. If it is dislodged too early, your body can regenerate the mucous plug can regenerate itself. Within it, the mucous plug contains antibodies that have the ability to neutralise bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that could pose an infection risk, for example through sex or vaginal exams. This seal doesn’t reach its full size until you’re around 12 weeks pregnant and it remains in place until your cervix starts to dilate and/or efface, normally at the end of your pregnancy. It starts to develop at the very start of your pregnancy - even before the egg implants in your womb! - when an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels causes the necessary cervical secretions. It’s a mass of thick, sticky mucous that develops to close the cervix and acts as a seal to protect your womb and your baby from outside influences. The mucous plug does exactly what it says on the tin. You have likely heard of it, probably in connection with labour starting, but do you know what it is and does? It’s a bit like vernix or amniotic fluid, nobody seems keen on talking about bodily fluids and other important pregnancy and birth realities! So what is the mucous plug?
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