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Bloody show describes a type of cervical mucus that happens near the end of pregnancy, just ahead of labor. Bloody show occurs when the mucus plug over the cervix releases during dilation, leading to a discharge tinged with blood. While it's considered a sign that labor is near, the exact timing of labor can vary by person and circumstance.
This article explains bloody show, its typical timing during the labor process, and what to expect.
"Bloody show" is not an official medical term. It's used to describe the cervicovaginal mucus that releases and mixes with broken blood vessels from the cervix, resulting in a slightly blood-tinged vaginal discharge just before labor.
During pregnancy, a plug of mucus covers the cervix. This is known as the cervicovaginal mucus barrier, and it protects the female reproductive system from bacteria or inflammation.
When the cervix starts to dilate (widen) before labor, the mucus plug releases, moving down and out through the vagina. Because it mixes with broken blood vessels on the way, this vaginal discharge may appear slightly bloody, hence the term "bloody show."
Exactly when a bloody show appears can vary. For some, it may occur a few days before labor begins. Others may notice bloody show just before labor and delivery.
A bloody show can be normal in late pregnancy. It is also commonly seen during active labor. It should not be heavy like a period and is usually mixed with cervical mucus. If you are experiencing this in the second trimester or before full term, notify your healthcare provider.
Generally, a bloody show can look like a small to moderate amount of blood mixed in with mucus, somewhat similar to the blood experienced while spotting. This discharge can appear anywhere from white or clear to pink and red. It may be more jellylike than regular vaginal discharge or slightly thinner in consistency.
Bloody show might be better described as a clump or mass of mucus. Some research estimates that the amount of discharge typically measures somewhere between 3 and 10 grams, which ranges from a little less than a teaspoon to a couple of teaspoons of mucus.
Keep in mind that the mucus plug may be lost at once entirely, or it may be less noticeable, lost in smaller amounts over some time.
While the cervicovaginal mucus plug is a mass of white or clear mucus covering the cervix during pregnancy, bloody show is that mucus plug as it mixes with blood from ruptured blood vessels as it leaves the vagina, resulting in a blood-streaked discharge.
Experiencing bloody show usually means that labor—and contractions—are near. But it's impossible to say exactly when contractions will start, as this varies by individual. This timeline could range anywhere from a few hours to several days to a week later.
True labor contractions will become more frequent and regular, continue throughout movement or rest, and get stronger at a steady pace.
Most people go into labor between 38 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes, a bloody show can indicate early labor if you're at an earlier stage of pregnancy. If this is the case, or if you notice contractions at 36 weeks pregnant or earlier, contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.
Blood vessels in the cervix can make it easy for bleeding to occur, which is what happens when the cervical mucus plug is released and bloody show appears. It is possible for very light bleeding to occur during this point in pregnancy if a healthcare provider has just checked you for dilation.
However, any type of abnormal vaginal bleeding—particularly during late pregnancy—or other unusual symptoms should be checked by a healthcare provider as soon as possible to confirm or determine the cause.
If you're confident that what you're experiencing is bloody show, you're likely experiencing early labor. This is considered normal if you are within late-stage pregnancy, around 38 to 41 weeks. Heading to the hospital or birthing center right away after a bloody show, without any other alarming symptoms or guidance from a healthcare provider, may result in arriving too early and being sent home until labor begins.
While bloody show doesn't necessarily merit an immediate trip to the hospital, it is something that you may want to report to your healthcare provider. Because bloody show can be followed by the regular, strong contractions of labor, your healthcare provider should be apprised of bloody show to advise you on next steps.
If you notice any vaginal bleeding other than light spotting or are far in advance of your due date, seek medical attention immediately. Head to the hospital right away if you've lost your mucus plug and are experiencing symptoms such as:
"Bloody show" is a term that refers to the presence of cervical mucus streaked with blood, which is usually noticeable at the end of pregnancy just before labor starts. It happens when the protective mass of mucus that sits at the cervical opening during pregnancy releases out through the vagina, mixing with broken blood vessels along the way.
While bloody show is usually a sign that labor is near, it's impossible to tell exactly when labor will start. Some experts estimate that it could indicate labor anywhere from a few hours to a few days after experiencing a bloody show, but check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure, have any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, or notice any other abnormal symptoms.
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By Cristina Mutchler
Mutchler is an award-winning journalist specializing in health and wellness content. She is based in Illinois.
