Mucus Plug: What It Is, Looks Like & Means

Pregnancy is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. It brings with it changes both physically and emotionally, and it is important to be knowledgeable about what is happening to your body. One of the common occurrences during the third trimester of pregnancy is jelly-like discharge. This discharge usually presents itself as a clear or white, thick, stretchy, and sometimes odorless substance. It is fairly common and can be an indication of any number of things. In this blog post, we will investigate the jelly-like discharge that can occur during the third trimester of pregnancy, what it could mean, and ways to help better manage it.

Is It Normal To Have A Jelly-like Discharge In Pregnancy?

You are likely to have a jelly-like discharge towards the end of your pregnancy (1). In some cases, this kind of discharge, along with other symptoms, may indicate an infection or any other medical condition that only a doctor can evaluate.

Any of the following signs and symptoms, along with jelly-like discharge, could indicate a medical condition (2).

Swelling and pain in the vaginal area

Itching and burning sensation while urinating

Thick discharge that looks like curdled milk or cottage cheese instead of being flowy.

Discharge smells foul and gives strong odor

Change in color or consistency, including blood

Understanding the source of this abnormal discharge improves how you handle it. Related:

How is mucus plug discharge different than regular discharge?

Increased vaginal discharge is normal in pregnancy. The typical vaginal discharge is thin and light yellow or white in hue. The mucus plug’s discharge is thicker, more jelly-like, and more prevalent. Blood that is red, brown, or pink can also tinge it.

Is a Jelly-Like Discharge During Pregnancy a Matter of Concern?

Most of the time, discharge from the vagina that has a jelly-like consistency and is colorless is perfectly fine and is regarded as a typical bodily process. However, there are some circumstances in which the discharge may point to an infection or other issues that need to be looked into. These are:

The vaginal region is slightly swollen, which may or may not be accompanied by pain

Urination irritates, itches, or causes a burning sensation

The texture of the discharge is not free-flowing or thick. It resembles a curd or cheese-like texture and is uneven

The colour is not white or off-white but has a grey tinge or even a greenish shade

FAQ

Does Jelly discharge mean Labour?

When should I be worried about discharge in third trimester?

Is jelly like discharge mucus plug?

How do I know if I lost my mucus plug?

Pregnancy Discharge | Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy | WHAT TO KNOW