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.
While release of your mucus plug followed by a bloody show is a sign of impending labor, timing varies from woman to woman. Some women may experience bloody show a few days before labor starts, while others don't get a bloody show until they are in true labor.
You may experience some red, pink or brown discharge, or notice that the mucus plug is streaked with blood. The bloody show can appear in your underwear, or you might see it when you wipe. However, it shouldn't be much more than a tablespoon or two of discharge, says the Cleveland Clinic.
You may lose your mucus plug in one glob or you may lose it gradually over time and never notice it. A small amount of blood is common, but severe bleeding may be a sign of placental abruption, placenta previa or other pregnancy complications.
A "show" can signal the start of labour
During pregnancy, there's a plug of mucus in your cervix. This mucus comes away just before labour starts, or when in early labour, and it may pass out of your vagina. This sticky, jelly-like pink mucus is called a show. It may come away in 1 blob or in several pieces.
Keep Watch for Other Signs of Labor
After you lose your mucus plug, be on the lookout for additional indications that you are in labor. "Other signs include 'lightening,' or the sensation that the baby has 'dropped,'" says Dr. Ward. "While this may result in more pressure in the pelvic region, breathing may be easier."
How long after bloody show will you go into labor? If you've had bloody show, you can usually expect to go into labor within the next day or two — unless you're a fast starter, in which case you could have your first contraction within the next several hours.
Bloody show and losing your mucus plug are slightly different, but closely related. Mucus plug discharge is a collection of mucus. It looks jelly-like and stringy. Bloody show results from the rupturing of blood vessels in your cervix.
If you have bloody or brownish discharge from your vagina, it may mean your cervix has begun to dilate. The mucous plug that sealed your cervix during your pregnancy may be visible. This is a good sign. But active labor may still be days away.
Medical interventions can speed up labor, but there are other ways to encourage dilation. They include moving around, rocking on an exercise ball, using relaxation techniques, and laughing. Dilation is a term that describes the widening of the cervical opening.
Call your healthcare provider or obstetric provider if you notice the mucus plug has been passed along with other symptoms like cramping, bleeding, or leaking fluid, as it could be a sign of complications.
8 Symptoms Before Labor Starts
While there is no way to know when labor is 24 to 48 hours away, labor signs include a bloody show, Braxton Hicks contractions, labor contractions, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, rupture of the amniotic sac (“water breaking”), and nesting instinct.
"The bloody show may be dark brown or bright red, and may come in small amounts when you wipe, or even moderate amounts requiring a pantyliner or pad," describes Dr. Akhigbe. It can look like spotting or the light onset of a period.
Losing Your Mucus Plug
If you go to the bathroom and notice bloody, brown or red-tinged discharge, you might be experiencing what's known as “bloody show.” When you're pregnant, a mucus plug develops to block the opening of the cervix.
Losing your mucus plug simply means that your cervix is starting to dilate, and your body is preparing for labor. You may notice a thick, jelly-like discharge that's either clear, off-white, or slightly bloody with a pink, red, or brown hue.
This discharge may be clear, but sometimes it's tinged pink or brown with a little blood – this is what's called a 'bloody show'. In practice, the names mucus plug and bloody show or just 'show' are often used interchangeably. Whichever term you use, your midwife or doctor will know what you mean.
First-time mamas are more likely to see a bloody show before labor begins, but this can happen a few days beforehand. Women who have given birth before often don't see any bloody show until their cervix is dilating; they would expect birth in the next 24 hours.
A show may appear up to a couple of weeks before labour starts, it may only happen as you go into established labour, or you may not even notice one at all! Having a show does not mean you need to come into hospital, or even inform your midwife, unless you are concerned the vaginal discharge is very bloody.
Size: The mucus plug is about 4-5 centimeters long, or about 1 ounce in volume. If your body doesn't expel the plug all at once, it may seem like much less.
Losing the mucus plug is not typically harmful. However, it may indicate a person is at risk of preterm labor if it happens before 37 weeks. A person should contact a doctor or midwife about any mucus-tinged blood that appears before their pregnancy reaches full term.
You might notice a change in the discharge from your vagina or a few cramps in your abdomen. You may have a low, dull ache in your back that can come and go. You may also feel pressure in your vagina or back passage. As the big day gets nearer, you may experience more definite early signs of labour.
If you have any of these signs or symptoms before your 37th week of pregnancy, you may be experiencing preterm labor: Change in your vaginal discharge (watery, mucus or bloody) or more vaginal discharge than usual. Pressure in your pelvis or lower belly, like your baby is pushing down. Constant low, dull backache.
How Do You Feel 24 Hours Before Labor? Some of the most common things women experience when labor is 24 hours away are cramps and contractions. You might feel that your stomach is becoming tight and may experience discomfort in your lower back. Along with that, you might also experience cramps in your pelvic area.