WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Spotting the 'Bloody Show

Spotting the ‘Bloody Show’
As you near the end of your pregnancy, you might experience a sign known as the "bloody show."
This is a natural part of the labor process, and understanding what it signifies can help you prepare for the upcoming birth.
Key Facts
The bloody show is a discharge of mucus mixed with blood that can occur in the days or hours leading up to labor.
It's one of the signs that your body is preparing for delivery.
What, Why, How?
  • What is the Bloody Show? It's the release of the mucus plug that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy, often tinged with blood as the cervix begins to thin (efface) and open (dilate).
  • Why Does it Happen? As labor approaches, the cervix changes and may cause small blood vessels to break, leading to the bloody show.
  • How is it Different from Other Bleeding? The bloody show is usually a small amount of pink, red, or brown blood, mixed with mucus. It's different from other types of bleeding in that it's typically not heavy like a menstrual period.
The Significance of the Bloody Show
The bloody show is a sign that labor may be near, but it doesn't necessarily mean labor will start immediately. It indicates that changes are occurring in your cervix as your body prepares for labor and delivery.
What to Do Next
If you notice the bloody show:
  • Keep Calm: Remember, it's a normal part of the labor process.
  • Monitor Other Symptoms: Look out for other signs of labor, such as contractions or your water breaking.
  • Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Especially if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or if you're unsure whether it's the bloody show or something else.
Q&As
  1. How soon after the bloody show will labor start?
  2. Should I go to the hospital when I see the bloody show?
  3. Is the bloody show a guarantee that I am in labor?
  4. Can I lose the mucus plug and not have the bloody show?
  5. What should I do if I'm unsure whether it's the bloody show or something more serious?
Dear moms-to-be, the appearance of the bloody show is a natural part of the body's preparation for birth. While it can indicate that labor is approaching, every woman's experience is different.
Stay informed about the signs of labor, communicate with your healthcare team, and soon you'll be ready to welcome your little one into the world.
You're doing an incredible job!
All you need to know
B
Beth
23 Oct 2023

Is this a “bloody show?“ I’ve already lost my mucus plug 2 times between 29-32 weeks and it was an off white and looked like snot. I wiped and got this and I’ve been googling and Google said it could be a bloody show and it’s just part of it. Any ideas would be helpful. This is my 5th pregnancy but I normally always lost my bloody show at the hospital while in labor labor…

5 comments
A
Alease
I’m not sure I had the same things happen yesterday morning now this morning I passed gas an a gush of water came out I don’t know if I owed myself or what. I wish I could be more help.
27 Mar 2024

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Beth
It’s ok. I contacted my dr they said unless I’m having a lot of cramping I should be ok. I was this morning but haven’t had any cramps since so I should be ok. Just worried me
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rosemary
29 Sep 2023

Just woke up to the bloody show symptom and light very crampibg 😱 its getting real y'all.

2 comments
K
Keisha
Good luck 😊❤️ make sure ti time it so they don't just send u home
27 Mar 2024

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Rosemary
thankyou 😊😊
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kasey
27 Sep 2023

Bloody show? The first picture came a few hours before then just now I’m pretty sure mucus plug (pictured in comments)

4 comments
✨👶🏽Lovely👣✨
Call your doc
27 Mar 2024

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Kasey
This was after I left L&D I lost this last night then I just lost this just now is this more of mucus plug?!
27 Mar 2024

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H
Haley
2 Aug 2023

Y'ALL , got the bloody show this morning 38 weeks 5 days on my 3rd child. YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

3 comments
M
Megan
Same here! Irregular contractions though 😭
27 Mar 2024

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Haley
omg same lolol I figure he'll be here by tonight though 😊😊😊🎉 with my daughter I went in when my contractions first started and they sent me home because I wasn't dilated enough, next day they got bad & ended up having her so I'm waiting until the contractions really set in this time 🤷🏼‍♀️lol
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kate
19 Jul 2023

Is this the bloody show they talk about. There’s a lot more but I can’t post all the pictures of how much it is

7 comments
K
Kate
Well I’m in labor so yes lol
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lucinda
13 Jul 2023

Did anybody lose the rest of their mucus plug with the "bloody show" and not go into labor the same day?

3 comments
N
Nicole
I've experienced this around a little over 34 weeks a couple times, but my doctor said it's normal and nothing to be concerned about. He also said to make sure to have my overnight bag packed and ready to go in case.
27 Mar 2024

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Lucinda
and you didn't start laboring afterwards?
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tiffani
8 Oct 2022

40 weeks today, woke up to what i believe is the “bloody show” so fingers crossed baby boys here soon 💙🤞🏽

1 comments
S
Samira Brisco
So excited for you 💙💙💙💙
27 Mar 2024

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M
Monica
24 Jun 2022

Question? For how long does you mucus plug & "Bloody show" keep coming? I have been like that since monday and it wont stop plus the lil spotting! Im just wonder when should you stop seeing all the stuff coming out?

10 comments
E
Emily
I think everyone is different. I would just keep an eye out for water breaking and constant and strong contractions because that's active labor
27 Mar 2024

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Monica
i just wont get bad contractions on my own that why they have to induced me so thats why im just so curious because is the first time im having all this stuffs going on i already have 2 childs and of course the first one they let me pass my due date till 41 weeks & second they induced me 39 weeks and days because i wasn't able to have contractions in my own i just wont have the kind of pain they want me to but i never had all this stuffs like with this pregnancy! I get like the pain level on a 4 thats about it and my body could be progressing & i wont even know😞
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nisesha
22 May 2022

Lastnight Got A Lil Bloody Show With Some Mild Contractions Woke Up This Morning With A lot Of Bloody Show Came To Labor&&Delivery To Get Monitored Got Checked I’m At 4cm&&80% Effaced Doctor Said She’ll Check Me In A Hour To See If I Dilated Anymore If So I Get Admitted I’m Just Ready To Meet My Princess 💜

17 comments
D
Destiny
Congratulations in advance hun!!💕💕
27 Mar 2024

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Nisesha
Thank You 😊
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dusti
1 Mar 2022

Moms??? First pregnancy had this and spotting / light blood all days. Is this my bloody show and if it is how long after will labor start?

10 comments
A
Ashley
But if u pour blood I would go the hospital but u starting to dilated
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dusti
as of this Monday I was 2 cm dilated and then had this later that night
27 Mar 2024

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