Expecting mothers nearing their due dates anticipate labour and delivery. Bloody show is one of the significant indicators of the onset of labour, among others. They need to understand this phenomenon. Complete and correct information about ‘Bloody Show’ helps expectant mothers and their caregivers make informed decisions and prepare themselves for childbirth. This blog will help you delve into the nuances of Bloody Show, its symptoms, and its importance during childbirth.

What is a Bloody Show?

A bloody show often precedes labour, occurring weeks prior for some or during labour for others. It signals your body's preparation for birth, indicating your baby's final stages of development and imminent arrival. It is indicative of the release of a small amount of blood and mucus from the vagina. A bloody show is a result of effacement (thin) and dilation (widen) of the cervix when preparing for childbirth. This thinning and widening of the cervix put pressure on the walls of the cervix, squeezing them and rupturing the blood vessels.

How does a bloody show look?

A bloody show is a mixture of the mucus from the mucus plug and the blood from the blood vessels in the cervix. It may look different for everyone. The colour of the blood in the bloody show can be red, brown or pink. The mixture of mucus and blood can contain all or parts of the mucus plug. The texture of the mucus will be like jelly or stringy. In some cases, women can lose the mucus plug all at once, whereas, in some cases, a bloody show can happen gradually.

Though the term ‘Bloody Show’ sounds scary, the amount of discharge produced during a bloody show should not be more than a tablespoon or two. Any more bleeding than that can be a sign of a complication. In such cases, you should contact your healthcare provider or midwife.

When does it happen?

A bloody show usually occurs days or hours before a woman goes into active labour. The discharge varies in colour from pinkish to brownish and accompanies mucus. A bloody show is typically a one-time event that occurs sporadically, unlike menstrual bleeding, which tends to be continuous.

What are the causes of a bloody show?

Although, bloody shows are a part of the labour process and are triggered by the big chances in the cervix of a woman as they prepare for delivery. A bloody show may also be triggered by:

Sexual intercourse: As the gestation period comes to an end and delivery time comes closer, your cervix thins and dilates. Having intercourse during this time can cause the mucus plug to loosen or cause light bleeding.
Trauma: Any kind of fall or accident can shock the body, causing an expecting woman to go into labour or bleed. Immediately seek medical attention if you experience any trauma.
Membrane sweeping: When your medical healthcare professional sweeps the membrane of your cervix to check for dilation, this sweeping could cause a bloody show.

Bleeding during pregnancy may be expected; however, it does warrant monitoring for any signs of a consequential complication.

Differentiation from other discharge

Bloody show is different from other types of vaginal discharge(s) that a woman may experience. It is significant, especially for expecting mothers, to be able to differentiate between a bloody show and other vaginal discharge. The usual vaginal discharges are thinner, clearer, and devoid of blood. In contrast, a blood show is thicker, mucus-like and often accompanied by blood.

Bloody Show vs. Mucus Plug

Bloody show and Mucus Plug are two closely related terms that often signify the onset of labour. Let’s understand the difference between the two.

During the seventh week of pregnancy, a woman’s body forms a mucus plug that seals the cervix to protect their growing baby from bacteria. Nearing the end of pregnancy or approaching labour, this mucus plug dislodges, allowing the cervix to prepare for labour.

On the other hand, ‘bloody show’ is a kind of vaginal bleeding that happens when the cervix starts to soften and prepares to make way for the baby. Sometimes, losing your mucus plug causes a bloody show, but it can also occur independently.

When to see a doctor?

Although bloody shows are a part of the labour process, the expecting mothers need to monitor any changes in their frequency or appearance. When the discharge during the bloody show is excessive, or bleeding is more than a period of bleeding, accompanied by a foul odour or severe abdominal pain, it is a sign for you to seek medical attention.

Conclusion

Expecting mothers and their caregivers must be knowledgeable and aware of the signs and symptoms of labour, including bloody shows. Understanding a bloody show's characteristics, timing, and progression helps the woman make informed decisions about childbirth. Consulting healthcare providers and monitoring changes in bloody shows ensures optimal care and support during this transformative experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bloody Show

Q1. How long after the bloody show does the labour start?
A1. Since every woman is different, the answer to when labour starts after the bloody show also varies. It can appear within minutes or up to days before labour begins.

Q2. Why does the bloody show occur?
A2. The bloody show occurs as the cervix softens, dilates, and effaces in preparation for childbirth, leading to the expulsion of blood-tinged mucus. This process is a natural part of labour and signifies the onset of the birthing process.

Q3. How long does the bloody show last?
A3. The duration of the bloody show varies for each individual, but it typically lasts for a few hours to a couple of days before active labour begins.

Q4. What is a bloody show during pregnancy?
A4. A bloody show refers to the discharge of blood-tinged mucus from the vagina, typically occurring towards the end of pregnancy or during labour. It indicates the release of the cervical mucus plug as the cervix dilates in preparation for childbirth.

Q5. Is a bloody show a sign of labour?
A5. Yes, a bloody show is often considered a precursor to labour. It suggests that the cervix is softening, thinning (effacing), and dilating, all early signs of labour progression. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that labour will start immediately; it can occur hours or even days before active labour begins.

Sources:

https://www.medicinenet.com/what_does_the_bloody_show_look_like/article.htm
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/signs-of-labor_181
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/signs-that-labour-has-begun/
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/mucous-plug.aspx
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21605-bloody-show
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/signs-of-labor/art-20046184
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/signs-of-labor/
https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-bloody-show