What is the reason for mucus in the vagina at 38 weeks of pregnancy?

The 38th week of pregnancy is already the late stage of pregnancy. It is normal to have mucus below at this time. This is the cervical mucus plug, which will usually be discharged before delivery. There is no need to worry. It should be noted that this may be a sign of prenatal delivery. In addition, lower back pain, abdominal pain, increased urge to defecate, lowered uterine fundus, vaginal bleeding, and ruptured amniotic membranes are also signs of prenatal delivery. Do not panic in the face of this situation, otherwise it will affect delivery.

1. What is the reason for mucus in the vagina at 38 weeks of pregnancy?

It is normal to have increased secretions due to hormonal influences during late pregnancy. This is the cervical mucus plug, which is usually discharged before delivery. Over the past 9 months, it has served to seal the cervical canal.

2. Prenatal symptoms of pregnant women

1. Low back pain and abdominal pain. Starting from the eighth month of pregnancy, pregnant women will feel their abdomen tightening and hardening when standing, sitting or walking, which may manifest as lower back pain or abdominal pain - this is a sign of uterine contraction. The intervals between contractions range from ten minutes to two hours, and they mostly occur at night. Before delivery, contractions occur every 2 to 3 minutes, each lasting 30 to 40 seconds.

2. Increased urge to defecate. In the late stages of pregnancy, the fetus's head extends into the pelvis, exerting pressure on the bladder and rectum near the uterus, thereby stimulating an increased urge to defecate and urinate.

3. The fundus of the uterus is lowered. About two weeks before the actual delivery, the pregnant woman's uterine fundus will drop. At this time, the fetal movement will be less than before, and symptoms such as lower abdominal distension, back pain, leg pain, and increased vaginal secretions may occur, indicating that the fetal head has descended into the pelvis.

4. Vaginal bleeding. Within 24 hours before delivery, bloody secretions will appear in the vagina, commonly known as "seeing blood". The amount is usually less than normal menstruation. If it exceeds the menstrual amount, it is abnormal.

5. The amniotic membrane ruptures. The increased contraction of the uterus increases the pressure in the uterine cavity, causing the cool, yellowish amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac to flow out, which is called "breaking of water". Delivery usually occurs soon after the water breaks. At this time, the mother must not stand upright or sit up to avoid the umbilical cord from falling out. She should lie flat immediately and her family should quickly send her to the hospital.