I am 35 wks and 4 days pregnant. Two nights ago I called and told the nurse at my OB/GYN that I had went to the restroom and there was alot of stringy mucus with dark brown/red blood in it. For the next 16 hrs if I had discharge it was a dark pink color but in small amounts. My nurse told me I had lost my mucus plug. I have had a tiny amount of discharge twice since then. I was wondering if it was normal to still have small amounts of discharge after you lose your mucus plug?

The mucous plug forms a seal at the cervical opening to separate the developing fetus from the environment and prevents bacteria from entering the uterus. Mucous plugs can be lost weeks before the onset of labor and doesn’t necessarily indicate the onset of labor.

Clear, yellow mucous plugs are considered normal. Brown mucous discharges may be normal but do warrant a physical exam. Red and pink discharges are not normal and warrants a physical exam as it could indicate a bleed. Persistent clear watery discharge is not normal and requires an immediate evalution.

Mild discharge after losing your mucous plug is considered to be physiologic – heavier discharge warrants a physical exam. A physical exam may be warranted in your case as you have reported brown and pink discharge.

It is important to note that women should never use a tampon when pregnant to soak up the discharge.