The Masterpiece Mom

Home » Misc » Blood in mucus during pregnancy

Blood in mucus during pregnancy


Symptoms & Signs of Labor

Overview

What is a bloody show?

A bloody show is a common symptom during late pregnancy when a small amount of blood and mucus is released from the vagina. A bloody show occurs because the cervix starts to soften and thin (efface) and widen (dilate) in preparation for labor.

When your cervix dilates, it's making room for your baby to pass through. Because it's filled with blood vessels, it can bleed easily when dilation occurs. What you see in a bloody show is blood from your cervix, mixed with mucus from the mucus plug.

It sounds scary, but a bloody show is a very normal sign that your cervix is changing in preparation for labor. The length of time between having a bloody show and entering labor can vary between women.

What does a bloody show look like?

A bloody show will look different for everyone. The blood can be red, brown or pink and can contain all or parts of the mucus plug. It will be a jelly-like, stringy texture. Some bloody shows are more mucus-like with streaks of blood. Some women lose the mucus plug all at once. In some cases, a bloody show will happen gradually.

How much blood is in a bloody show?

The bloody show should not produce more than a tablespoon or two of discharge. Severe bleeding at any time can be a sign of a complication. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience heavy bleeding during pregnancy.

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

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

What does a bloody show mean?

A bloody show usually means labor is coming soon. Some women experience a bloody show weeks before labor and others don't have a bloody show until they are in labor. It’s a good indication that your body is getting ready and your baby is in the final stages of development.

How long does a bloody show last?

The amount of time the bloody show lasts will vary. It's usually seen in your underwear or on toilet paper. Some women will see the bloody show in one blob while others may notice it gradually.

Possible Causes

What are the causes of a bloody show?

A 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 the bloody show.

A bloody show can also be triggered by:

  • 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. They will use gloved fingers to loosen the baby’s bag of water (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 or bleed. If you have experienced any trauma, call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital to get checked.

Women who notice vaginal bleeding should contact their healthcare provider to be safe. Bleeding during pregnancy can be normal, but it can also be a sign of a more serious complication.

What are the signs of a bloody show?

The biggest sign that the bloody show has occurred is you may notice a bloody mucus discharge from your vagina. In some cases, there are no signs.

Some women 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 baby 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?

A bloody show is a sign that labor is coming. There is not an exact timing as to how long after a bloody show labor will occur. This varies from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy.

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 are checking the dilation and effacement (thinning) of your cervix. This could irritate your cervix and cause it to bleed, but it's not necessarily the bloody show.

Will doing a membrane sweep cause a bloody show?

A sweeping of your membranes can cause a bloody show. If successful, the membrane sweep will trigger your cervix to dilate. This could cause a bloody show. It could also be blood caused by the cervix becoming irritated. Membrane sweeping is a practice that varies amongst healthcare providers and is not always performed.

Is cramping a side effect of a bloody show?

Yes, some cramping can occur when you have a 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 as the baby descends. These are common side effects of the bloody show because they are all signs labor is coming.

Will I know when I have a bloody show?

It varies. You may not be aware that your bloody show has occurred. In some cases, the discharge is so light and gradual it's virtually undetected. You might also have a blood-tinged glob all at once and know it's a bloody show. It’s best to contact your healthcare provider if you believe your bloody show has occurred.

Care and Treatment

How is a bloody show diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may ask you the color, consistency and amount of discharge. These details can help determine if you’ve had a bloody show. Since it's a normal progression in pregnancy, there is not a treatment.

What do I do when I have a 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 a 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 the bloody show happens. The 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 to Call the Doctor

When should I call the doctor after a bloody show?

It's best to contact your healthcare provider if you think you have experienced a bloody show. 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 premature labor or other complications.

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

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

When is it bad to have a bloody show?

A bloody show is usually not 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.

A note from Cleveland Clinic:

It's normal to feel excited and nervous about labor and delivery. Discussing the signs and symptoms with your healthcare provider can help you know what to expect. Don't hesitate to voice your concerns about any vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy.

Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is any discharge of blood from the vagina. It can happen any time from conception (when the egg is fertilized) to the end of pregnancy.

Some women have vaginal bleeding during their first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Spotting is when you notice a few drops of blood every now and then on your underwear. It is not enough to cover a panty liner.

Bleeding is a heavier flow of blood. With bleeding, you will need a liner or pad to keep the blood from soaking your clothes.

Ask your health care provider more about the difference between spotting and bleeding at one of your first prenatal visits.

Some spotting is normal very early in pregnancy. Still, it is a good idea to tell your provider about it.

If you have had an ultrasound that confirms you have a normal pregnancy, call your provider the day you first see the spotting.

If you have spotting and have not yet had an ultrasound, contact your provider right away. Spotting can be a sign of a pregnancy where the fertilized egg develops outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). An untreated ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening for the woman.

Bleeding in the 1st trimester is not always a problem. It may be caused by:

  • Having sex.
  • An infection.
  • The fertilized egg implanting in the uterus.
  • Hormone changes.
  • Other factors that will not harm the woman or baby.
  • A threatened miscarriage. Many threatened miscarriages do not progress to pregnancy loss.

More serious causes of first-trimester bleeding include:

  • A miscarriage, which is the loss of the pregnancy before the embryo or fetus can live on its own outside the uterus. Almost all women who miscarry will have bleeding before a miscarriage.
  • An ectopic pregnancy, which may cause bleeding and cramping.
  • A molar pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg implants in the uterus that will not come to term.

Your provider may need to know these things to find the cause of your vaginal bleeding:

  • How far along is your pregnancy?
  • Have you had vaginal bleeding during this or an earlier pregnancy?
  • When did your bleeding begin?
  • Does it stop and start, or is it a steady flow?
  • How much blood is there?
  • What is the color of the blood?
  • Does the blood have an odor?
  • Do you have cramps or pain?
  • Do you feel weak or tired?
  • Have you fainted or felt dizzy?
  • Do you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
  • Do you have a fever?
  • Have you been injured, such as in a fall?
  • Have you changed your physical activity?
  • Do you have any extra stress?
  • When did you last have sex? Did you bleed afterward?
  • What is your blood type? Your provider can test your blood type. If it is Rh negative, you will need treatment with a medicine called Rho(D) immune globulin to prevent complications with future pregnancies.

Most of the time, the treatment for bleeding is rest. It is important to see your provider and have testing done to find the cause of your bleeding. Your provider may advise you to:

  • Take time off work
  • Stay off your feet
  • Not have sex
  • Not douche (NEVER do this during pregnancy, and also avoid it when you are not pregnant)
  • Not use tampons

Very heavy bleeding may require a hospital stay or surgical procedure.

If something other than blood comes out, call your provider right away. Put the discharge in a jar or a plastic bag and bring it with you to your appointment.

Your provider will check to see if you are still pregnant. You will be closely watched with blood tests to see if you are still pregnant.

If you are no longer pregnant, you may need more care from your provider, such as medicine or possibly surgery.

Call or go to your provider right away if you have:

  • Heavy bleeding
  • Bleeding with pain or cramping
  • Dizziness and bleeding
  • Pain in your belly or pelvis

If you cannot reach your provider, go to the emergency room.

If your bleeding has stopped, you still need to call your provider. Your provider will need to find out what caused your bleeding.

Miscarriage - vaginal bleeding; Threatened abortion - vaginal bleeding

Francois KE, Foley MR. Antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 18.

Salhi BA, Nagrani S. Acute complications of pregnancy. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 178.

Updated by: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda Center for Fertility, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Browse the Encyclopedia

Bloody discharge during pregnancy ᐈ Blood during early pregnancy

Seeing bloody discharge, a pregnant woman is always frightened. They are considered a symptom of miscarriage and other equally serious pathologies. At the same time, in some cases, the appearance of a small amount of blood is considered the norm and does not pose a threat to the life and health of the fetus or the expectant mother.

In early pregnancy, bloody discharge occurs in 25% of women. In most cases, they are associated with the implantation of the fetal egg to the wall of the uterus. Also, scanty spotting may appear on the dates of the expected menstruation. If they end quickly, are not accompanied by pain, and the woman has not had miscarriages or pregnancy complications before, most likely she has nothing to worry about. However, it is necessary to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist and undergo an examination. nine0003

Why bloody discharge can appear and when it is dangerous, said Elena Petrovna Domnich, obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound specialist of the ADONIS medical center.

Elena Nikolaevna, tell me, can a woman have periods during pregnancy?

- Sometimes during pregnancy, a woman may experience spotting, but this should not be interpreted as menstruation. Menstruation occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle, during which the endometrium changes, first proliferative, then secretory. During the cycle, the endometrium prepares for pregnancy, and if it does not occur, then menstruation begins. nine0003

In the event of pregnancy, menstruation is not possible, although bleeding may occur at the expected time. Because of this, some women do not immediately know that they are pregnant. However, when the obstetrician-gynecologist at the reception asks them about the nature of the discharge, it always turns out that they are different from menstrual. As a rule, they are more scarce, pass faster and are not accompanied by other symptoms. Sometimes a woman says that her period was very recent, but at the time of examination and examination, we find that she is already 8 or 12 weeks pregnant. nine0003

How often does this happen? Is spotting during pregnancy an exception or a fairly common occurrence?

- Bloody discharge is not common in pregnant women, but still it cannot be said that these are exceptional cases.

Tell me, if a woman is planning to conceive a child, and during the expected period she has atypical discharge, should she take a pregnancy test? nine0012

– Yes, but it is better to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist. There are cases when a woman is pregnant, but the test strip shows a negative result. To accurately determine whether there is a pregnancy, allows a blood test for the level of hCG.

So bleeding during pregnancy is not menstruation, but bleeding? Why can it appear and why is it dangerous?

- Yes, that's right. This is bleeding, not menstruation. It can be a symptom of a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other pathology. For diagnosis, you must consult a doctor. nine0003

Tell me more, if a woman has a discharge and thinks she is menstruating, but a previous pregnancy test came back positive, could it be wrong?

- A pregnancy test is sometimes positive even if it is not. This happens if a woman has formed luteal cysts or developed a thyroid disease.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy requires contacting the antenatal clinic or the medical center where the woman was registered for pregnancy management. Sometimes they may not be dangerous, but without diagnosis, it cannot be ruled out that this is a symptom of a serious disorder. nine0003

Bleeding may occur with:

  • threatened miscarriage;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
  • cysts;
  • myomas;
  • cervical erosion;
  • placental abruption;
  • threatened preterm birth.

You can watch the video version of Elena Petrovna Domnich's interview here. More helpful videos on our YouTube channel. nine0003

Pregnancy discharge | What are the discharge during pregnancy? | Blog

In the absence of menstruation, girls usually suspect that conception has occurred. However, during pregnancy, the female body may continue to secrete a secret of a different color and character. We recommend that you keep a close eye on everything that happens so as not to miss the development of adverse events. We will talk about how to recognize problem situations during pregnancy in the article.

What discharge can occur during conception

Many women note that immediately after the delay and in the later stages, the nature of secretion changes. It can be:

  1. With or without scent.
  2. Depending on the color - transparent, white, cream, yellow, greenish, bloody.
  3. By consistency - thick, liquid, cheesy.
  4. As a symptom for assessing the state of health - threatening, safe.

During ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary, its membrane is deflated, a small amount of fluid is released - so it becomes ready for fertilization. At this time, the thick mucus that fills the cervical canal of the cervix becomes less viscous. This makes it easier for the spermatozoa to penetrate and move further into the tubes for fertilization. At this time, you may notice an abundance of clear mucous secretion. nine0003

After the fusion of the egg with the spermatozoon, movement into the uterus begins, which should end with implantation in the inner layer. During penetration, its slight detachment may occur - this causes damage to the blood vessels that abundantly penetrate the muscular layer of the uterus. You may see light brown discharge, which is common during pregnancy. The color is due to the fact that the blood has time to clot.

Sometimes the discharge is brightly colored and some women mistake it for a period that has started too early. But in this case, a short duration is characteristic, a different shade (dark or scarlet), a slight mark on the linen. nine0003

With some features of the structure of the female genital organs (for example, with a bicornuate uterus), after implantation of the embryo in one part, rejection of the endometrium may begin in the other, as usually occurs during menstruation. This rarely happens.

Characteristics of discharge in the event of a threatened miscarriage

Spontaneous abortion is the rejection of an embryo in the early stages after conception. If at the first signs of pregnancy, you notice spotting, there is a high probability that a miscarriage begins. nine0003

Also, miscarriage symptoms include:

  • pulling or pressing on the lower abdomen, sacrum, lower back;
  • the muscles of the uterus are tense.

The woman may experience cramps. This continues all the time or intermittently. From the vagina there are scarlet or brown discharge during pregnancy, which was previously confirmed. Sometimes the period may be still small, and the first signs did not have time to appear.

After 22 weeks, this phenomenon is called preterm labor. The child in this case is still weak, the organs are not sufficiently developed, and there is little chance of survival. nine0003

The following factors increase the risk of miscarriage:

  • various diseases;
  • progesterone deficiency;
  • nervous and physical strain;
  • pathologies in the genitals;
  • fetal developmental defects.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound scan. If it shows that the fetal heart rate is disturbed, the tone of the uterus is increased, its size differs from normal for this period, hospitalization will be recommended to maintain pregnancy. nine0003

What discharge during pregnancy is considered normal

This secretion does not pose a threat to health:

  • transparent;
  • whitish;
  • yellowish;
  • odor free;
  • mucous;
  • without itching, burning, redness of the genitals.

Clear fluid on underwear is a symptom of ovulation. During pregnancy, the activity of ongoing processes in the body increases, so the amount of secretion secreted may increase. However, a violation of the norm is the leakage of amniotic fluid. You can determine the problem with the help of special diagnostic tests that the doctor will prescribe if he has suspicions. nine0003

White color, small amount, homogeneous structure should also not cause concern. The increased volume of fluid in this case is associated with increased hormonal activity.

One of the variants of the norm is mucous discharge, which smells of slight sourness. If there is no pain, discomfort, there is nothing to worry about.

Yellow discharge, there are signs of pregnancy, there is no unpleasant odor - you are all right. Some women had this color before conception, only they did not pay attention. Now there are more of them, therefore more noticeable. nine0003

Sometimes a woman observes that the laundry gets wet and there is a smell of urine. This may indicate incontinence due to the constant pressure of the growing uterus. In this case, it is recommended to go to the toilet more often, change underpants twice a day.

What discharge during pregnancy is considered a sign of infection?

White discharge during pregnancy with a cheesy texture is a symptom of thrush (candidiasis). In pregnant women, it is diagnosed quite often - the reason is a change in hormonal levels. The disease is accompanied by itching, redness of the vulva, a strong sour smell. Sometimes external manifestations are not detected, then treatment is not carried out. nine0003

Infection is indicated by pain, pain, skin irritation, ulcers, smell of rot or fish, gray or green color, frothy discharge, increased nervousness, large inguinal lymph nodes. The reason may lie in sexually transmitted infections. This includes syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia and others. They are dangerous because they cause premature birth and fetal developmental defects.

Which discharge during pregnancy should be paid special attention to and should I consult a doctor? nine0013

The following indicates that pregnancy is at risk:

  1. Severe pain in the perineum, bleeding, difficulty defecation, convulsions - these can be injuries to the vaginal mucosa.
  2. Nausea, profuse vomiting, swelling, headaches, cough, hypertension, bright red secretion are symptoms of hydatidiform mole (abnormal development of the embryo).
  3. A drop in blood pressure, pallor, weakness, sweating, pulling sensations, bleeding during pregnancy against the background of a lack of growth of hCG in the blood - this is how ectopic attachment manifests itself. nine0068
  4. Isolation of clots, sharp pain, vomiting, diarrhea may indicate a frozen fetus.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

It is also necessary to go to the clinic if you have been physically abused, had rough sex, had an accident, fell, hit. The likelihood that the situation will be resolved successfully is much higher if you do not delay the visit, listen to the symptoms and take good care of your health. nine0003

Remember, despite the fact that pregnancy is a normal state of health of the female body, the diagnosis and treatment tactics are still different, due to the many restrictions on manipulations and medications during pregnancy. That is why diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy should take place only under the supervision of a doctor. By ignoring the symptoms or self-medicating, a pregnant woman risks not only her health, but also the health of her child.

Doctors of the Leleka maternity hospital manage pregnancies of any complexity, including those aggravated by infections, pathologies, and the threat of miscarriage. Our own diagnostic laboratory allows us to accurately and in the shortest possible time to obtain the results of the tests. Thanks to constant medical supervision throughout the entire period, the chances of a successful birth are greatly increased.

Learn more