What you have to know about blood show

"Bloody show," a pink- or brown-tinged stringy mucus discharge, is a sign that your cervix is dilating and/or effacing. This is a definite signal that you're well on your way toward labor and delivery.

This "passage" means the blood vessels in the cervix are rupturing as the cervix begins to open up. (This is a good, normal thing.)

If you've experienced the bloody show, you can usually expect to go into labor within the next several days — unless you're a fast starter, in which case you could be going into labor within the next several hours. (Nice and predictable, right?) In general, though, bloody show means you can hurry up and wait. And you won't know for sure that labor has arrived until you feel those first real labor contractions. So when you see that bloody show, get ready — but don't head out the door just yet.

What should you do if you see a bloody show?
If you do see a "bloody show" does it mean it's time to head to the hospital? Not necessarily. Your body is clearly preparing for labor, but it could be hours, or even weeks before you are ready to deliver. However, you should call your doctor if:

• Your mucous plug is released less than 36 weeks into your pregnancy;
• You see bright red bleeding, or more than a tablespoon of blood;
• You are feeling painful cramps;
• You are feeling strong and regular contractions that are coming every four to five minutes; or
• The bloody show is accompanied by any other unusual or painful symptoms.
• It is especially important that you watch out for excessive bleeding.
• Bleeding is an important symptom of placenta previa or placental abruption, serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Otherwise, if you have passed your mucus plug, you should simply try to relax and monitor your symptoms and any contractions carefully. Now is the time to enjoy your last few hours or days of relative quiet before your big day – and your new little bundle of joy – arrives.