Are Mucus Plug & Water Break Same?

When you are pregnant, you are usually haunted by two things the most. One is losing your 'mucus plug' and the other is a 'water break'. If you are over 36 weeks pregnant, you doctor must have introduced you to these two pregnancy related words. Both these things are sure shot signs of labour. However, there are some differences between these two terms. Actually, losing your mucus plug and having a water break have no connection with one another.

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If this is your first pregnancy, then you are likely to be confused. So the following are the differences between the mucus plug and breaking of water.

What Does The Mucus Plug Look Like?
Your mucus plug is a thick blob of mucus that seals your uterus as soon as you conceive. Nothing external can enter your uterus as long as your mucus plug is there. The mucus plug is made up of the same elements as your white vaginal discharge. This is thick, sticky and over streaked with blood. Passing out your mucus plug is not a definitive sign of labour. It just means that your uterus is now ripe and ready to deliver. Your labour may not begin for a week or so even after you lose your mucus plug.

What Does A Water Break Feel Like?
When your water breaks, it means your amniotic sack has been ruptured and the amniotic fluid is now draining out. This is certain sign of labour. Your contractions have to start within 24 hours of your water break. If that does not happen, then your doctor will go for a C section. The water break usually feels like you peed in your pants or you feel a trickle going down your thighs.

The main difference between water break and passing the mucus plug is that the first is an emergency situation and the second isn't. When your water breaks, you have to be rushed to the hospital as you will certainly go into labour or are already in labour.

But you need not rush to the hospital if your mucus plug pases out and you do not feel any contractions yet. You may not feel your first painful contractions for weeks after you see the blood streaked mucus plug in your panties.