I know there is a wealth of information out there in all of you ladies, so I want to throw this out there...

First let me say I am not pregnant...yet ;) but my sister is. A bit of info: She is 30weeks along and has an irritable uterus which has resulted in much discomfort and false labour/cramping. (As it did with her two previous pregnancies - both in the last 2 years) She has been into the doc many times outside her regular appointments, had extra exams, etc. Oh, and she has been given a steroid to boost baby's lung development because the doc is concerned baby will arrive too early. All in all, she is being highly monitored.

Anyway, she called today to tell me that she lost her mucous plug today. I don't know much about losing your mucous plug in relation to labour, so what she and I are wondering is, does this mean that labour is coming sooner rather than later?? Does anyone know? TIA!

Oh, and did I mention that she is moving next week?

usually within 2 weeks ...being that day or two weeks or so at the latest if it truly is the mucus plug that was lost....

I've heard it can be days or weeks. It's also my understanding that it can regenerate?! Sorry I'm not much help.

I've heard the same thing, girls. I found this online...

--When do you lose your mucous plug?

Some women will lose their mucous plug or part of their mucous plug weeks before they go into labor. Losing your mucous plug does not always mean labor will begin shortly. Keep in mind that even if a woman has begun to dilate, it may be weeks before she actually goes into labor. However, if you notice blood tinged mucous before your thirty-sixth week of pregnancy, notify your doctor right away. As your body prepares for labor your cervix will begin to dilate and thin. As your cervix opens up, your mucous plug may fall out. Losing your mucous plug is a good sign that labor is on its way. Though, it could be days or even weeks after you lose your mucous plug before labor actually starts. Many women do not lose their mucous plug at one time; instead, they lose it more gradually. They may notice an increase in vaginal secretions weeks before they go into labor. ---

I'm praying for your sister to keep her baby on the inside for at least another month, Kim. [pregnantside]

[praywhensad]

Joy [welcomewave]

I've heard exactly what Joy mentioned. I'll be praying for your sister and her baby as well!

Will be praying for your sister. I had four early births and was monitored closely during my last preg. There are two specific tests available that may be appropriate for you sister. First of all I was referred to a perinatologist (specialist for high risk preg) for care. He measured my cervical length in mm (done via internal ultrasound). This can detect small changes such as thinning early rather than later. There is also a test called febral fibronectin (sp?). This test is supposed to be highly accurate in determining whether or not labor will begin in the next two weeks. This test involves a swab of vag. secretions and they are tested for signs of chemicals present in the fetal membranes. A positve result indicates labor may begin during this two week window. A neg. result means labor almost definitely will not occur. This test can be repeated every two weeks or so, is low risk, and definitely can put your mind at ease.

Yeah, Ditto to Joy... we'll be praying Kim!!

Yep yep, I was going to say pretty much what Joy found.

It's actually quite common to lose a little here and there and it keep regenerating itself until it's really time to go.

*I* have no experience with such..just what I've heard.

Thanks for the info ladies! :D We are all hoping and praying that this baby doesn't arrive too soon. The move next week isn't making her pregnancy any easier, either. I'll post an update when baby arrives.