Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBloody Show and LaborWhen Do Contractions Begin?Bleeding From Bloody ShowWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Bloody Show and Labor
When Do Contractions Begin?
Bleeding From Bloody Show
When to Seek Medical Care
This article explains bloody show, its typical timing during the labor process, and what to expect.
A Short Word on the Term “Bloody Show"“Bloody show” is not an official medical term. It’s used to describe the cervicovaginal mucus that releases and mixes with broken blood vessels from the cervix, resulting in a slightly blood-tingedvaginal dischargejust before labor.
A Short Word on the Term “Bloody Show”
“Bloody show” is not an official medical term. It’s used to describe the cervicovaginal mucus that releases and mixes with broken blood vessels from the cervix, resulting in a slightly blood-tingedvaginal dischargejust before labor.
Bloody Show and Timing of Labor
During pregnancy, a plug of mucus coversthe cervix. This is known as thecervicovaginalmucus barrier, and it protects thefemale reproductive systemfrom bacteria or inflammation.
When the cervix starts to dilate (widen) before labor, the mucus plug releases, moving down and out through thevagina. Because it mixes with broken blood vessels on the way, this vaginal discharge may appear slightly bloody, hence the term “bloody show.”
Exactly when a bloody show appears can vary. For some, it may occur a few days before labor begins. Others may notice bloody show just before labor and delivery.
A Word From VerywellA bloody show can be normal in late pregnancy. It is also commonly seen during active labor. It should not be heavy like a period and is usually mixed with cervical mucus. If you are experiencing this in the second trimester or before full term, notify your healthcare provider.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
A bloody show can be normal in late pregnancy. It is also commonly seen during active labor. It should not be heavy like a period and is usually mixed with cervical mucus. If you are experiencing this in the second trimester or before full term, notify your healthcare provider.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A bloody show can be normal in late pregnancy. It is also commonly seen during active labor. It should not be heavy like a period and is usually mixed with cervical mucus. If you are experiencing this in the second trimester or before full term, notify your healthcare provider.
—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Symptoms to Recognize
Generally, a bloody show can look like a small to moderate amount of blood mixed in with mucus, somewhat similar to the blood experienced whilespotting.This discharge can appear anywhere from white or clear topink and red. It may be more jellylike than regularvaginal dischargeor slightly thinner in consistency.
Bloody show might be better described as a clump or mass of mucus. Some research estimates that the amount ofdischargetypically measures somewhere between 3 and 10 grams, which ranges from a little less than a teaspoon to a couple of teaspoons of mucus.
Keep in mind that the mucus plug may be lost at once entirely, or it may be less noticeable, lost in smaller amounts over some time.
Mucus Plug vs. Bloody ShowWhile the cervicovaginal mucus plug is a mass of white or clear mucus covering the cervix during pregnancy, bloody show is that mucus plug as it mixes with blood from ruptured blood vessels as it leavesthe vagina, resulting in a blood-streaked discharge.
Mucus Plug vs. Bloody Show
While the cervicovaginal mucus plug is a mass of white or clear mucus covering the cervix during pregnancy, bloody show is that mucus plug as it mixes with blood from ruptured blood vessels as it leavesthe vagina, resulting in a blood-streaked discharge.
True labor contractions will become more frequent and regular, continue throughout movement or rest, and get stronger at a steady pace.
Most people go into labor between 38 and 41 weeks ofpregnancy.Sometimes, a bloody show can indicate early labor if you’re at an earlier stage of pregnancy. If this is the case, or if you notice contractions at 36 weeks pregnant or earlier, contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.
What to Do for Bleeding From Bloody Show
Blood vessels in the cervix can make it easy for bleeding to occur, which is what happens when the cervical mucus plug is released and bloody show appears.It is possible for very light bleeding to occur during this point in pregnancy if a healthcare provider has just checked you fordilation.
After Bloody Show: To Call or Not to Call a Provider?
If you’re confident that what you’re experiencing is bloody show, you’re likely experiencing early labor. This is considered normal if you are within late-stagepregnancy, around 38 to 41 weeks. Heading to the hospital or birthing center right away after a bloody show, without any other alarming symptoms or guidance from a healthcare provider, may result in arriving too early and being sent home until labor begins.
If you notice any vaginal bleeding other than light spotting or are far in advance of your due date, seek medical attention immediately.Head to the hospital right away if you’ve lost your mucus plug and are experiencing symptoms such as:
Summary
“Bloody show” is a term that refers to the presence of cervical mucus streaked with blood, which is usually noticeable at the end of pregnancy just before labor starts. It happens when the protective mass of mucus that sits at the cervical opening during pregnancy releases out through the vagina, mixing with broken blood vessels along the way.
While bloody show is usually a sign that labor is near, it’s impossible to tell exactly when labor will start. Some experts estimate that it could indicate labor anywhere from a few hours to a few days after experiencing a bloody show, but check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure, have any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, or notice any other abnormal symptoms.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Am I in labor?.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What does it mean to lose your mucus plug?.Lacroix G, Gouyer V, Gottrand F, Desseyn JL.The cervicovaginal mucus barrier.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(21):8266. doi:10.3390/ijms21218266MedlinePlus.Vaginal birth series-Indications.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.When does labor usually start?.Bastholm SK, Becher N, Stubbe PR, Chronakis IS, Uldbjerg N.The viscoelastic properties of the cervical mucus plug.Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2013;93(2):202–208. doi:10.1111/aogs.12308American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What are the symptoms of labor?.Cohen WR, Friedman EA.Clinical evaluation of labor: an evidence- and experience-based approach.J Perinat Med. 2020;49(3):241-253. doi:10.1515/jpm-2020-0256American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to tell when labor begins.Office on Women’s Health.Labor and birth.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Preterm labor and birth.Joshi SN et al.Colposcopically observed vascular changes in the cervix in relation to the hormonal levels and menstrual cycle.J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2008 Oct;12(4):293-9. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e31817efbbdMedlinePlus.Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Am I in labor?.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What does it mean to lose your mucus plug?.Lacroix G, Gouyer V, Gottrand F, Desseyn JL.The cervicovaginal mucus barrier.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(21):8266. doi:10.3390/ijms21218266MedlinePlus.Vaginal birth series-Indications.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.When does labor usually start?.Bastholm SK, Becher N, Stubbe PR, Chronakis IS, Uldbjerg N.The viscoelastic properties of the cervical mucus plug.Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2013;93(2):202–208. doi:10.1111/aogs.12308American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What are the symptoms of labor?.Cohen WR, Friedman EA.Clinical evaluation of labor: an evidence- and experience-based approach.J Perinat Med. 2020;49(3):241-253. doi:10.1515/jpm-2020-0256American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to tell when labor begins.Office on Women’s Health.Labor and birth.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Preterm labor and birth.Joshi SN et al.Colposcopically observed vascular changes in the cervix in relation to the hormonal levels and menstrual cycle.J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2008 Oct;12(4):293-9. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e31817efbbdMedlinePlus.Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Am I in labor?.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What does it mean to lose your mucus plug?.Lacroix G, Gouyer V, Gottrand F, Desseyn JL.The cervicovaginal mucus barrier.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(21):8266. doi:10.3390/ijms21218266MedlinePlus.Vaginal birth series-Indications.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.When does labor usually start?.Bastholm SK, Becher N, Stubbe PR, Chronakis IS, Uldbjerg N.The viscoelastic properties of the cervical mucus plug.Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2013;93(2):202–208. doi:10.1111/aogs.12308American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What are the symptoms of labor?.Cohen WR, Friedman EA.Clinical evaluation of labor: an evidence- and experience-based approach.J Perinat Med. 2020;49(3):241-253. doi:10.1515/jpm-2020-0256American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to tell when labor begins.Office on Women’s Health.Labor and birth.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Preterm labor and birth.Joshi SN et al.Colposcopically observed vascular changes in the cervix in relation to the hormonal levels and menstrual cycle.J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2008 Oct;12(4):293-9. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e31817efbbdMedlinePlus.Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy.
MedlinePlus.Am I in labor?.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What does it mean to lose your mucus plug?.
Lacroix G, Gouyer V, Gottrand F, Desseyn JL.The cervicovaginal mucus barrier.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(21):8266. doi:10.3390/ijms21218266
MedlinePlus.Vaginal birth series-Indications.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.When does labor usually start?.
Bastholm SK, Becher N, Stubbe PR, Chronakis IS, Uldbjerg N.The viscoelastic properties of the cervical mucus plug.Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2013;93(2):202–208. doi:10.1111/aogs.12308
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What are the symptoms of labor?.
Cohen WR, Friedman EA.Clinical evaluation of labor: an evidence- and experience-based approach.J Perinat Med. 2020;49(3):241-253. doi:10.1515/jpm-2020-0256
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to tell when labor begins.
Office on Women’s Health.Labor and birth.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Preterm labor and birth.
Joshi SN et al.Colposcopically observed vascular changes in the cervix in relation to the hormonal levels and menstrual cycle.J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2008 Oct;12(4):293-9. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e31817efbbd
MedlinePlus.Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy.
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