Mucus Plug and Labor: What to Expect at Full Term

Question
My daughter is due todsy August 8, 2007 and had been having false contractions for the pase 5 days.  She just lost her mucous plug and was 1.5cm dialted yesterday.  Does this mean labor will be very soon because she is at full term?  She is experiencing high blood pressure and babies heartbeat was high at the last visit as well.  If nothing happens by this weekend they are inducing but I am concerned with the complications starting, it won't be soon enough.

Answer
Dear Melanie,

Losing the mucus plug is most often the first sign that labor is approaching, but there is no way to tell whether it will be in the next 24 hours or 7 days. It simply indicates that the cervix is beginning to stretch, thin out, and dilate in preparation for delivery.

It sounds like her doctor was not concerned enough about the degree of blood pressure elevation to induce her immediately. Many women do experience a slight elevation if they reach that 40 week mark. And the fetal heart rate may have been higher due to activity also.

I'm at a disadvantage in not knowing her full medical history, but if they intend to induce tomorrow if she does not begin on her own, I would not be overly concerned. I would suggest that she take it easy, keep her feet up, and rest as much as possible - not only to keep her BP down but also because her body will need the energy for labor.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you and your daughter well and a joyous meeting with the newest member of your family!

Brenda