Most women in their first pregnancy are likely to get concerned about seeing a bloody show during pregnancy. They may wonder if it is a pregnancy symptom, a sign of labour or something gone wrong with the pregnancy. A bloody show towards the conclusion of pregnancy is a normal thing to happen and is indicative of the fact that the body is preparing to go into labour.
In this article:
What is Bloody Show?
What is it’s Causes?
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bloody Show During Pregnancy?
How is Bloody Show Different from Mucus Plug?
Is any Kind of Bleeding a Sign of Bloody Show?
Is Bloody Show a Sign of Labour Impending?
How Long after Bloody Show does Labour Start?
How Long does Bloody Show Last?
Is it Safe to Have Sex if You have had Bloody Show?
When to Consult a Doctor?
All You Need to Know about Bloody Show During Pregnancy
What is Bloody Show?
Bloody show is a thick vaginal discharge that contains mucus and blood from the cervix which usually occurs in late pregnancy, as the body prepares for labour. It is a normal occurrence during pregnancy which means that the cervix has started to prepare for labour.
So when the cervix begins to dilate some of the blood vessels may burst as the cervix softens. Blood vessels usually rupture immediately after the release of the mucus plug. Eventually, there is a bloody show which is simply the blood from the cervix mixed with the mucus passing out of the vagina.
What is it’s Causes?
Soon after the fertilized egg gets embedded into the uterus, a mucus plug is formed in the cervix which blocks the cervix’s opening. The mucus has antimicrobial properties that protect the growing baby from possible infections. When the body goes into labour, the cervix opens loosening the mucus plug. The mucus plug, in due course, flows out of the vagina along with some blood. This accompanying blood is from the blood vessels of the cervix which held the plug in place and gets ruptured when the mucus plug is released causing a bloody show.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bloody Show During Pregnancy?
- Cramping – it is one of the common signs of the bloody show. They may be experienced before the bloody show.
- Contractions – these usually indicate the start of labour. But bloody show and contractions can also be related. Some pregnant women can feel contractions during the dilation of the cervix which may be a sign that a bloody show is likely to follow.
- Reddish mucus – it is the most crucial sign of the bloody show seeing the mucus coming out of the vagina tinted with blood.
How is Bloody Show Different from Mucus Plug?
Bloody show and mucus plug are not much different. They are closely linked although they may be two different occurrences. These both are signs of early labour.
As the body gets ready for the labour, it releases hormones that stimulate the cervix to dilate. The ripening of the cervix causes the mucus plug which seals the entrance of the uterus to prevent external infections to enter the womb to dislodge from the cervix and slip out of the vagina. The mucus plug is jelly-like and is usually streaked with blood. The appearance of the blood-tinged mucus which can be slightly pink, bright red or darkish brown in colour is called the bloody show.
Is any Kind of Bleeding a Sign of Bloody Show?
Don’t assume that just any sign of bleeding is a bloody show. It’s normal to bleed slightly afterward because the cervix tends to bleed easily.
Is Bloody Show a Sign of Labour Impending?
Bloody show is a sign of approaching labour. The release of mucus plug which is often followed by a bloody show is the early signs of impending labour. But different women can have different experiences. Some pregnant women may experience a bloody show quite a few days before labour starts while some women don’t get a bloody show up until they are truly in labour. Women with first-time pregnancy have greater chances of experiencing a bloody show before labour begins than women who have had kids in the past.
How Long after Bloody Show does Labour Start?
The experience of every woman can vary as there is no definitive sequence of events. The bloody show can happen within a few minutes or several days earlier than labour starts. Whereas in some pregnant women may already be in active labour when a bloody show occurs.
How Long does Bloody Show Last?
Bloody show usually doesn’t last very long. But it may vary from woman to woman. Some women may experience the bloody show in bits lasting a couple of days while some may get it all out in one go. Also, some pregnant women may not even notice or experience any bloody show and can go straight into active labour.
Is it Safe to Have Sex if You have had Bloody Show?
In the bloody show, you probably start going through the paces of labour and chances are you will have no feelings of having sex. But if there is the mood for sex, it’s likely safe to have sex after the cervix is checked by the doctor. If the cervix is dilated then sex is not allowed and is not safe because it may likely break the bag of water surrounding the baby or introduces unwanted bacteria near the amniotic sac which can lead to an infection inside the uterus.
When to Consult a Doctor?
- Having heavy bleeding
- Any bleeding before 37 weeks of pregnancy
- Vaginal discharge suddenly turns bright red
- Severe cramps or tummy aches
- A feeling of the ruptured water bag
- Bloody show but no contractions are seen till 48 hours
Conclusion
Bloody show is just a sign in a pregnancy which varies in every woman. Check the signs and symptoms and consult the doctor.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324358.php
