If you’ve been pregnant for more than 37 weeks, chances are you’ve heard the term “bloody show.” It’s a common symptom of late pregnancy that can accompany other signs of labor like cramping and pelvic pressure.
Some women experience only the tiniest amount of blood, while others have to change their pad or tampon multiple times throughout the day. Either way, if you notice pink or brown discharge on your underwear (or pad or tampon) after being checked out by your doctor and it lasts more than 1-2 days, it’s time to head back to the hospital to be evaluated.
What is Bloody Show?
Bloody Show is a phenomenon that occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. The term “bloody show” refers to the appearance of blood-tinged mucus in the vaginal discharge and is considered a sign that labor is imminent.
The bloody show can accompany other signs of labor, including contractions, nausea, vomiting, and backache. While many women experience these symptoms in the third trimester, this does not necessarily mean they will go into labor soon. It may simply be a sign that your body is preparing for delivery.
The color of this discharge tends to be red or pinkish-brown and may resemble raw egg whites. It can also appear as a watery discharge with small clots throughout it. If you experience this kind of vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy, DO NOT panic—it’s normal!
The bloody show signifies that you are about to deliver your baby. It happens when the cervix starts to dilate and thin out. The blood comes from the vagina, but it does not mean that you are losing too much blood.
The mucus plug is a thick layer of mucus that covers your cervix. It keeps bacteria and germs out of your uterus during pregnancy but breaks apart as labor begins.
Image Source: iStock
Bloody show but no contractions
When you’re pregnant, it’s not uncommon to experience some bleeding. This is called a “bloody show,” and it happens when the membranes surrounding your baby rupture. It can come on suddenly or gradually, but either way, it’s a sign that your body is preparing for labor.
But if you’ve been waiting for those contractions to kick in and you find yourself with the bloody show and no contractions, don’t worry! You may just be one of the lucky ones who doesn’t experience labor pains until after the baby has arrived.
How much bloody show is normal?
It depends on where you are in your pregnancy. When you wipe after peeing, it might just be a drop or two of blood in the first trimester. It could be as much as half a pad an hour in the second trimester during your period. And in the third trimester, it may look like heavy period bleeding (like when you’re on your period) or light spotting (like when you get your period).
What are the causes of a bloody show?
The bloody show signifies that your cervix is ripening and beginning to dilate. It’s also a sign that you may soon be going into labor.
Some things, including the following, can cause it:
- Uterine contractions: if you’re in labor, your cervix will start to thin and open up. This can sometimes cause the membranes to break and cause bleeding.
- Vaginal infection: if you have an infection in your vagina, it could cause some bleeding. Other symptoms like discharge or itching may also accompany this.
- Placenta previa: if your placenta is covering your cervix, this can cause bleeding as well. If you have placenta previa, it’s important to get checked out right away so that doctors can determine whether or not they need to deliver early due to complications with the baby’s health (like being exposed to too much blood).
How often do women have bloody show and not go into labor
The answer is: it’s not always.
Most women will experience a bloody show at some point during their pregnancies. It is caused by the buildup of blood in your uterus, which can be caused by increased hormone levels or an infection in your cervix (the opening to the uterus). The blood is generally pink or brownish and may be accompanied by a watery discharge.
Contraction
The bloody show varies from woman to woman, but if you see an increase in how much blood comes out when you wipe yourself after urinating, this could signify that your baby may be on its way soon!
However, some women don’t go into labor after experiencing this type of bleeding—even though their bodies are ready for birth. This doesn’t mean that something went wrong during pregnancy; instead, it’s just one more piece of evidence that shows us how different each pregnancy is from person to person!
How long after the bloody show does labor start
If you’re pregnant and wondering how long after a bloody show does labor starts, you’re not alone. The average time between the first appearance of a bloody show and birth is only two days, but it can range from 1 to 10 days.
Should I go to hospital with bloody show
If you are experiencing a bloody show, you may be wondering whether or not you should go to the hospital. Many different factors can influence your decision. First and foremost, it’s important to know that this is a normal part of pregnancy and does not indicate something wrong.
The next thing to consider is that going to the hospital does not necessarily mean anything will happen—you may be sent home with instructions to rest and relax. If your doctor sees no reason for concern, this will happen.
On the other hand, if your doctor sees cause for concern, he or she might recommend immediate admission into an obstetric unit to monitor your baby’s heartbeat and observe. This might also be recommended if you doubt how far along in labour you are or how well the baby is doing.
In some cases—if there are signs of infection or placenta previa (the placenta blocks off part of the cervix), for example—you might need emergency surgery before being admitted into an obstetric unit.
What should I do after my bloody show?
If you are having a bloody show, it can be stressful and scary. You may be wondering what to do next.
First, take a deep breath and relax. Many women experience a bloody show during their first pregnancy, but it does not mean something is wrong. If you are experiencing a bloody show for the first time, chances are nothing is wrong.
Here are some steps that might help make this process easier:
- Keep track of your contractions and when they start,/end so that if you need medical attention, you will have this information handy. It can also help your doctor determine your pregnancy’s length if needed.
- Eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables to ensure your body gets all the nutrients needed to support your baby and yourself during this period.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated throughout this process and during labor itself once it begins in earnest later on down the line; dehydration can cause headaches (and headaches can cause contractions!), so make sure you stay hydrated!
When it comes to labour and birth, understanding what you can expect when you go into labour can help ease any anxiety or fears you might have about giving birth. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Singapore
Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
