I think my MP (mucus plug) has come off slowly....the V discharge is getting heavier and heavier...
Some Info about MP:
As you near the end of your pregnancy, your cervix will begin to thin out and dilate. As it changes, you may lose your mucus plug and find a gooey deposit in your underwear or on the toilet tissue after wiping. It is not uncommon for this mucus to be mixed with brown, pink, or red streaks of blood from the changes occurring within your cervix. Some women may lose the plug at 36 weeks' gestation, while many others may not lose it until labor has begun. Sometimes moms-to-be may not even notice that they are losing their mucus plug because it happens gradually, over several weeks, and they've already grown accustomed to varying but increased amounts of the vaginal discharge that often accompanies a normal pregnancy
Some info about False and True Labour:
Here are a few guidelines when distinguishing true from false labor:
Timing of Contractions
False Labor: Often irregular; not usually becoming closer together
True Labor: Come regularly, usually 4-6 minutes apart and can become closer together. Usually last 30-70 seconds.
Strength of Contractions
False Labor: Frequently weak; not getting stronger with time, or alternately, a strong contraction followed by weaker ones.
True Labor: Become stronger with time. You may also feel vaginal pressure
Pain with Contractions
False Labor: Usually felt in the front only.
True Labor: Can start in the back and move to the front.
Position Changes and Hydration
False Labor: Contractions may stop or slow down when you walk, lie down, change position or increase your fluid intake.
True Labor: Contractions continue no matter what position changes you make or how much you drink.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
If you are less than 35 weeks pregnant and you have regular contractions lasting more than thirty seconds and occurring more than 4-6 times an hour, try resting and drinking lots of fluids. If the contractions don't settle down with these changes in activity, call your practitioner. The signs of preterm labor can be subtle, and should be evaluated.
Once you are past 36 weeks, if this is a first pregnancy, you are much more likely to go in to your birth place too early rather than too late. Don't time contractions until they are very strong and regular. Plan to go to the hospital when they are so strong that you cannot hold a conversation during one, closer than 5 minutes apart, and continue in that pattern for over an hour. For women who have given birth before, we recommend using your previous labor as a guideline. On average, second babies come in half the time it took for the first. Subsequent pregnancies are usually similar to the second one.
If you just aren't sure whether it is false or real labor, don't feel bad going into labor and delivery to be examined. Your practitioner and the nurses there see many women each day in false labor. Sometimes it is even hard for the professionals to distinguish if it is the real thing.
