Bloody Show in Pregnancy: Signs, Causes & What It Means for Labour
A bloody show in pregnancy signals labour is near. Learn causes, duration, and when to see a doctor. Gynaecologist-reviewed
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Rima Sonpal
(Gynecologist/Obstetrician)
This health content has been medically reviewed by qualified experts and follows the FirstCry Parenting editorial policy to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Key Takeaways
- A bloody show is blood-tinged mucus released as the cervix softens and begins to dilate.
- It may appear as pink, brown, or red streaks mixed with thick, jelly-like mucus.
- A bloody show can happen hours or days before labour and does not always mean labour has started.
- Heavy, bright-red bleeding or bleeding before 37 weeks needs prompt medical attention.
A bloody show in pregnancy is the passage of blood-tinged mucus from the cervix as it begins to soften, thin, or open in preparation for labour. Although it can be a normal labour sign, it does not always mean that labour will start immediately. During pregnancy and bloody show, the discharge may look pink, brown, or streaked with red.
This article explains its causes and symptoms, how to recognise other labour signs, and when bleeding may need prompt medical attention.
What Is a Bloody Show?
A bloody show occurs when your cervix (the neck-like narrow passage constituting the uterus’s lower part) undergoes crucial changes and initiates your body into labour (1). The cervix may start expanding to let the baby pass through it. The cervix essentially has a lot of blood and thus may bleed easily.
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, you may notice a bloody show, which is simply the blood from the cervix mixed with the mucus passing out of the vagina.
What Causes Bloody Show When Pregnant?
Soon after the fertilised egg gets implanted in the uterus, a mucus plug is formed in the cervix, which blocks the cervix’s opening. The mucus has anti-microbial properties that protect the growing baby from possible infections (2). When the body goes into labour, the cervix dilates, loosening the mucus plug. In due course, the mucus plug flows out of the vagina along with some blood. This accompanying blood is from the blood vessels of the cervix, which hold the plug in place. The blood vessels get ruptured when the mucus plug is released, causing a bloody show (3).
What Are the Signs of Bloody Show During Pregnancy?
Some of the apparent signs of bloody show during pregnancy can be (4):
1. Cramps
Cramps are one of the most common signs of a bloody show. However, you may get cramps before you experience the bloody show.
2. Mild Contractions
Contractions usually indicate the start of labour, but bloody show and contractions may 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.
3. Reddish Mucus
The most vital sign of a bloody show is seeing mucus coming out of the vagina, tinted with blood. You may spot a sticky, thick discharge, which may be either dark brown or bright red.
How Much Bloody Show Is Considered Normal?
A bloody show is usually a small amount of blood mixed with thick, jelly-like mucus. It can come out all at once or in several small amounts. Cleveland Clinic notes that a typical bloody show should not be more than about 1-2 tablespoons of discharge (1).
Difference Between Mucus Plug and Bloody Show
A bloody show is not very different from a mucus plug. They are closely linked, although they may be two separate occurrences. Both the bloody show and the mucus plug are signs of early labour.
As the body readies itself for labour, it releases hormones that stimulate the cervix to dilate. The ripening of the cervix causes the mucus plug to dislodge and slip out of the vagina. The mucus plug is jelly-like and is usually streaked with blood (2). The appearance of the blood-tinged mucus, which can be slightly pink, bright red, or darkish brown, is called bloody show (4).
Is Any Kind of Bleeding a Sign of Bloody Show?
Bleeding of any kind may not be a sign of a bloody show while pregnant (5). In case of an internal examination by a doctor, some bleeding may take place afterwards because the cervix tends to bleed easily. You may also experience a little bleeding after sexual intercourse.
Is Bloody Show a Sign of Impending Labour?
Yes, the release of the mucus plug, which is often followed by a bloody show, is the early sign of impending labour. But different women can have different experiences. Some pregnant women may experience a bloody show a few days before labour starts, while some women don’t get a bloody show up until they are truly in labour (6). In some cases, pregnant women may not even have a bloody show and can move right into active labour. Women who are first-time moms have higher chances of experiencing a bloody show before labour begins than women who have had kids in the past.
How Long After the Bloody Show Does Labour Start?
The experience of every woman can vary as there is no definitive sequence of events or a set time frame to experience a bloody show and for labour to begin. A bloody show can occur within a few minutes or several days before labour starts (6). Some pregnant women may already be in active labour when a bloody show occurs. All in all, you may have enough reaction time when you have a bloody show so that you don’t have to rush to the hospital immediately.
How Long Does the Bloody Show Last?
A bloody show usually doesn’t last very long, but it may vary from person to person. Some women may experience bloody show in bits, which may last 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 a Bloody Show?
If you have had a bloody show, odds are you may not be in the mood to have sexual intercourse. In case you still feel like indulging in sex, it is wise to consult a doctor first. The doctor may like to check whether your cervix has dilated or not. In case your cervix has dilated, the doctor may advise you against sex because sexual intercourse can rupture your water bag or increase the chances of an infection.
When to Consult a Doctor?
You may like to consult a doctor in the following instances (6):
- If you experience heavy bleeding.
- If you notice any bleeding before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- If the vaginal discharge suddenly turns bright red.
- You experience severe cramps or tummy aches.
- You feel that the water bag has ruptured.
- If you do not experience contractions for 48 hours after a bloody show.
FAQs
1. What should I do if I experience bloody show?
In case you experience a bloody show, you should monitor the bleeding, the colour of the discharge, and the rate and duration of contractions, if any. This will establish if you are going into labour. If you are still in the first or second trimester of your pregnancy and you notice a bright red discharge, contact your doctor immediately, as it may imply some serious issues. If you are 39 weeks pregnant with a bloody show but still have no contractions, try not to get too worked up. It won’t be long before the contractions start.
2. Is it a light bleeding or bloody show?
It is difficult to ascertain whether bleeding is light or bloody show. Women cannot independently distinguish between a bloody show and light bleeding. Even though a bloody show may coincide with early labour signs like slight contractions, it’s possible for women to experience the bloody show without any accompanying pain or contractions.
3. Does every pregnant woman experience bloody show?
No, not every woman experiences bloody show when pregnant. Some women experience this symptom for several days, while others may not experience anything. Since every pregnancy is unique, the intensity of symptoms and body changes vary from pregnancy to pregnancy, making it unlikely to certain the static of bloody show in pregnant women.
4. Is 37 weeks pregnant bloody show normal?
It may indicate that your cervix is beginning to prepare for labour. However, because bleeding during pregnancy can have other causes, contact your maternity care provider if the bleeding is more than light spotting, becomes bright red, or is accompanied by pain or other concerning symptoms.
5. How long after a bloody show does birth happen?
There is no fixed timeframe between a bloody show and birth. Labour may begin within hours, but it can also take several days.
The bloody show and labor are closely connected, as the appearance of blood-tinged mucus can indicate that the cervix is beginning to prepare for childbirth. Even after the bloody show, you may have some time before the baby is delivered. So, try to remain calm and let things progress naturally.
Also Read:
Rectal Bleeding in Pregnancy
Vomiting Blood during Pregnancy
Blood Clot in the Uterus when Pregnant
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