Bloody Show

What is bloody show?

Bloody show is a common symptom during late pregnancy when a small amount of blood and mucus comes out of your vagina. The bloody show occurs because your cervix starts to soften and thin (efface) and widen (dilate) in preparation for labor. Your cervix is filled with blood vessels, and it can bleed easily when effacement and dilation occur. What you see in the bloody show is blood from your cervix, possibly mixed with mucus from your mucus plug.

It sounds scary, but bloody show is a very normal sign that your cervix is changing and that your body is preparing for labor. Some pregnant women experience a bloody show weeks before labor and others don’t have bloody show until they’re in labor. Others may not even notice one.

What is the normal color of the bloody show?

A bloody show will look different for everyone. The blood can be red, brown or pink and can contain all or parts of your mucus plug. It will have a jelly-like, stringy texture. Some bloody shows are more mucus-like in color with only streaks of blood.

How much blood is in the bloody show?

The bloody show shouldn’t produce more than a tablespoon or two of discharge. Heavy bleeding at any time during pregnancy can be a sign of a complication. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding.

What are the causes of bloody show?

Bloody show occurs as a natural progression of labor. Your cervix goes through big changes to prepare for delivery. As your cervix begins to open, the blood vessels of the cervix rupture — this is bloody show.

Other things that can trigger a bloody show are:

• Sexual intercourse. Your cervix thins and dilates in the last weeks of pregnancy. Having sex can loosen the mucus plug or cause light bleeding.
• Membrane sweeping. Your healthcare provider may sweep your membranes while checking your cervix for dilation. Membrane sweeping involves your provider using gloved fingers to loosen the amniotic sac from your uterus. This is done to encourage labor but can also cause some bleeding.
• Trauma. Falling or being in a car accident could cause your body to go into labor. If you’ve experienced any trauma, call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital to get checked.

Bleeding during pregnancy can be normal, but it can also be a sign of a more serious complication. You should always contact your pregnancy care provider if you notice bleeding during pregnancy. They can tell you if it’s a cause for worry.

What are the signs of a bloody show?

The biggest sign of bloody show is bloody mucus coming from your vagina. Most women notice it in their underwear or on toilet paper after they wipe.

Some experience other symptoms of labor with a bloody show:

• Cramping. You may feel period-like cramps that come and go over the course of hours or even days.
• Pelvic pressure. As the fetus drops down from your abdomen, you may experience pressure in your pelvis (referred to as lightening), vagina or back.
• Contractions. You may feel tightening in your uterus that increases in duration and intensity.

These signs are good indications that your cervix is dilating to prepare for labor.

Is a bloody show a sign of labor?

The bloody show is a sign that labor is coming. But you can’t predict exactly when labor will start after a bloody show. This varies from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy. It could be hours or days before you go into labor.

Can you get a bloody show after a cervical exam?

If your healthcare provider does a cervical exam (cervix check), it’s normal for spotting (or light bleeding) to occur. After 37 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider may ask if you would like your cervix checked. They’re checking the dilation and effacement (thinning) of your cervix. This could irritate your cervix and cause it to bleed, but it’s not necessarily bloody show.

Will doing a membrane sweep cause a bloody show?

A sweeping of your membranes can cause bloody show. If successful, the membrane sweep will trigger your cervix to dilate. This could cause bloody show. A sweep can also irritate your cervix and make it bleed. Not all healthcare providers offer membrane sweeping to induce labor.

Is cramping a side effect of a bloody show?

Yes, some cramping can occur when you have bloody show. Your cervix is opening, softening and expanding in preparation for birth. This can cause period-like cramping or aches. You may also feel a cramping pressure in your pelvis. These are common side effects of bloody show because they’re all signs of labor.

Will I know when I have a bloody show?

How is bloody show diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may ask you about the color, texture and amount of discharge. These details can help determine if you’ve had bloody show. As it’s a normal progression in pregnancy, there isn’t a treatment.

What do I do when I have bloody show?

You should write down or take a picture of the discharge. Note the color, consistency and amount. Your healthcare provider will be able to determine if this was bloody show. They may also want to check your cervix for dilation. It’s also a good time to monitor yourself for other signs of labor.

How long after a bloody show will labor start?

Every pregnancy is different, so it’s difficult to say when labor will start after bloody show happens. Bloody show means your cervix is dilating in preparation for labor. Labor can come within the next few hours or it could still be days away.

When should I call the doctor after a bloody show?

It’s best to contact your healthcare provider if you’re unsure if it’s bloody show and if you’re preterm (fewer than 37 weeks). Spotting or light bleeding in pregnancy can be common. Severe bleeding or bleeding earlier than the last few weeks of pregnancy can be signs of preterm labor or other complications.

Does bloody show mean it’s time to go to the hospital?

Bloody show means your cervix is preparing for labor. For some people, labor begins shortly after bloody show, but for others, it could still be several days away. If you’re unsure if you’re experiencing bloody show or think you’re in the early stages of labor, contact your healthcare provider.

When is it bad to have a bloody show?

Bloody show usually isn’t a concern if it happens after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Some light bleeding can be a normal part of pregnancy. Bleeding heavily or uncontrollably could indicate a more serious complication. If you have bloody discharge, you should contact your healthcare provider to be sure.

What is the difference between bloody show and a mucus plug?

Bloody show and the mucus plug are closely related. The mucus plug blocks the opening of your cervix during pregnancy to protect the fetus from bacteria. As your body prepares for labor, your cervix dilates (expands). This causes the mucus plug to dislodge. When blood from your cervix is mixed in with the mucus plug, it’s called bloody show.

How many days should you have bloody show?

The number of days you experience bloody show varies. Some notice it all at once, while others notice a little bit gradually. If you notice bleeding and aren’t sure if it’s bloody show or something else, contact your provider right away.

Can you go into labor without bloody show?

Yes, not everyone will have bloody show (or notice it) before labor.

Does bloody show mean my water broke?

No, just because you have bloody show doesn’t mean your water broke. Your water breaking is also a sign of labor.