One sign that the Big Day is near is the passing of the mucus plug. The mucus plug has been blocking your cervix since early pregnancy to help prevent infection. As your cervix prepares for labour, the mucus plug is released. It can come out all at once, or in small amounts. You may notice a heavy discharge, or a discharge streaked with blood in your underwear or when you go to the toilet.
In this slideshow, mums from our sister site in the US have kindly shared photos of their mucus plugs for you to see.