Bloody Show
“Bloody show” has to be one of the very worst names for a process that happens during labor and birth, no? It sounds straight out of a horror movie. (Or, at the very least, is a British show of some sort. I don’t really know about horror movies because I am a wimp.) But, in reality, it’s just your cervix working hard.
So, what is it? What is Bloody Show if not the title of the next Saw installment?
What Is Bloody Show?
As your cervix softens and starts to open up before labor, (and during labor, often during transition) small blood vessels near it can break. That blood mixes with cervical mucus (including your mucus plug– which can regenerate, btw.) and comes out looking pink, brownish, or streaked with red.
Some people will have a lot of bloody show; some notice after sex or a cervical exam, and some won’t notice any.
What Does Seeing Bloody Show Mean?
It doesn’t mean that labor is starting today. (And the crowd shouts “boo, hiss!” I know. It is a big bummer.) It doesn’t even mean that it is going to start this week, either. What it does mean is that there is something going on; your cervix is changing in some capacity. (Un-fun fact- Which can happen days/weeks before labor-labor kicks in.)
Your doula team may tell you, “This is a good sign. It means your body is doing something.” It means your body is warming up for the big marathon, not necessarily that it is race day.
When It’s Actually a Concern
Bloody show is typically light, stringy/mucousy, and pink or brown, streaked with both. Here’s what might make it something to call your provider about:
- Bright red blood, more than light streaking, and is continuous.
- Enough blood to soak a pad
- Passing large clots
- Severe, non-stop pain (in the abdomen or the back)
- Sudden gush or steady leak of watery fluid (that you don’t think is urine. This could be your amniotic fluid.)
- Signs of labor before 37 weeks gestation.
- You are concerned and feel like you need to get checked out.
What To Do Now?
Text or call your doula team so they know what’s going on. Keep doing what you’re doing. Live your life.
Did you get a bloody show before labor started?
