Slemproppen

Slemproppen, or the mucus plug, is a mass of cervical mucus formed during pregnancy that seals the cervical canal. It is produced by the glands of the cervix and is part of the body’s natural effort to protect the developing fetus from bacteria traveling from the vagina. The plug is typically thick and gel-like and can vary in color from clear to cloudy, sometimes with a tinge of pink or brown if small blood vessels in the cervix rupture during cervical changes.

Formation and function: The mucus plug begins to form early in pregnancy as cervical secretions increase and the cervix remains closed. Its main function is to provide a barrier against ascending pathogens. The plug may also play a role in stabilizing the cervical environment during pregnancy. It is usually not noticeable until late pregnancy, when changes in the cervix begin to occur.

Expulsion and significance: In the days or weeks before labor, or sometimes during labor itself, the mucus plug may be expelled as the cervix softens and dilates. The timing and amount of discharge vary widely; some women notice no plug at all, while others see a noticeable discharge. The passage of the plug is not a reliable predictor of the onset of labor. Labor can begin with or without the plug being expelled.

Color, texture and symptoms: The plug is typically thick and gelatinous. If the discharge is heavy bleeding, has a foul odor, or is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or regular contractions, medical attention should be sought.

Clinical context: The concept of the mucus plug is used in obstetric care to describe cervical changes during pregnancy. It is one piece of the broader set of signs that may indicate approaching labor, but it is not itself a definitive forecast.