The appearance of “bloody show” is a common physical sign experienced during the final weeks of pregnancy. This discharge is a simple indicator that the body is preparing the cervix for childbirth. Specifically, the bloody show represents the shedding of the protective cervical mucus plug combined with a small amount of blood.
What Bloody Show Is and How It Appears
Bloody show is the direct result of the cervix undergoing early changes as the body prepares for delivery. Throughout pregnancy, the cervical canal is sealed by the thick, gelatinous mucus plug. This plug acts as a physical barrier, protecting the uterus and the developing fetus from potential infection.
The appearance of this discharge can vary significantly among individuals. The color may range from a clear or white mucus streaked with pink or red blood, to a brownish or dark red discharge. Its consistency is often described as sticky, stringy, or gelatinous, similar to a clump of mucus. The blood component originates from the tiny capillaries that line the cervix.
These small blood vessels rupture as the cervix begins to soften, thin out (effacement), and open up (dilate) in the final stages of pregnancy. A typical bloody show should not amount to more than a tablespoon or two of discharge. It is usually only noticed on toilet paper after wiping or as a small amount in undergarments.
What the Presence of Bloody Show Means for Labor
Experiencing the bloody show is a positive sign that physical changes are occurring at the cervix, signaling that labor is likely imminent. The expulsion of the mucus plug confirms that the cervix is softening and beginning to dilate, a necessary step toward active labor. While it indicates progress, the bloody show is not a precise predictor of when contractions will begin.
The time frame between seeing the bloody show and the onset of active labor varies widely from person to person. For some, active labor may begin within a few hours, while for others, it could be a matter of days or even a couple of weeks before contractions become regular and intense. It is common for the bloody show to appear alongside other early signs of labor, such as intermittent cramping or mild contractions.
The entire mucus plug may be released all at once as a single large clump of discharge. Alternatively, the plug may be lost gradually over several days, appearing as small, consistent amounts of blood-tinged discharge. If the bloody show is only a small amount of spotting, it is considered a very early sign of cervical change, but it does not require an immediate trip to the hospital.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
While the bloody show is a normal indication of late-term cervical change, it is important to distinguish it from bleeding that may indicate a complication. Normal bloody show involves only a minor amount of discharge mixed with mucus, and the blood is typically pink, brown, or dark red. Any vaginal bleeding that is bright red, heavy, or soaking through a pad should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
Bleeding is considered problematic if the flow is heavier than a menstrual period or if it is accompanied by other severe symptoms. These symptoms include intense, continuous abdominal pain, severe back pain, or a noticeable decrease in the baby’s movement. It is also necessary to contact a provider right away if the bloody show occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, as this could be a sign of preterm labor.
When contacting the provider, it is helpful to communicate specific details about the discharge. Individuals should report the color, consistency, and approximate amount of the blood and mucus, along with any accompanying symptoms like contractions or pain. Providing this information allows the healthcare team to determine if the discharge is the normal bloody show or if it requires further evaluation for a potential complication.