Can anyone please explain what is mucus plug?

[yzaguirre10]

I'm a frist time mom and I've been ready alot of people talking about mucus plug. I'm currently 38 weeks pregnant and I have no clue what happens.  Does this mucus plug happen when you about to feel pain or when your water breaks. What week does it happen ? Do I need to call doctor when it does. So sorry for so many questions. Thanks

[vee12345]

It can come out in one day or for several days. It can be bloody or look like thick boogers lol. Usually means your labor is nearing but some women lose it and don't go into labor for weeks. Either way once it comes out, let doc know. It shouldn't be painful from what I understand

[kittin_1988]

Honestly I've had 3 kids this is my 4th an I've never even noticed it with any of my kids.

[mama_bear_]

Mine came out last pregnancy after hours of contractions whilst in the bath at the hospital. Shortly after I had an epidural. Hours after that my waters didn't break till I was pushing out the baby.  

[Sammy_Bump]

I'm 32 weeks and I've been loosing pieces of my plus for weeks now, looks like Chunky snot, it was the same with my first but when it all comes out it happened just before my waters broke with my first and it was just a massive chunk of goo(thick snot) it's vile, told midwife it's coming out in little pieces she said it can and it just grows back, it's called a plus cuz it blocks any sort of infection getting to your child, it's like a protector barrier