Understanding the Mucus Plug: What It Means During Pregnancy

Question
What does it mean when "you lose the plug?"

Answer
Hello Judy,

When someone says, they've "lost their plug", they are usually referring to the mucus plug that a woman has when she is pregnant.
The mucus plug is kind of like a glob of mucus that "corks" your cervix.  When a woman is close to going into labor, this plug will fall out.  This is caused when the cervix begins to dialate.  When it comes out, it usually might look like a big glob of, well, mucus, and it can be tinged with brown or light pink blood.  
It's nothing to worry about.  Some women lose their plug earlier than others, and it's not of major concern.  All it means is that probably within the next few days you will go into labor.
The function of the plug is mostly to keep germs and bacteria from entering your uterus.  However, other parts of your body work together to keep germs away as well.  So, while it might look a little creepy, especially if you see a little brown or pink, it's nothing to worry about.  If you see bright red blood, though, you should probably call your doctor as this may be a sign of a more serious condition.  
Take care!
~Andrea