What is the difference

What is the difference between losing your mucus plug and bloody show? I feel like there descriptions are similar except some people lose their mucus plug and its streaked with blood. I could be 100% wrong, I really have no idea.

Re: What is the difference

I read that losing your mucus plug (no blood) does not always mean labor is on its way but if its blood streaked (The bloody show) then you should expect labor in the next 24-48 hours (or sooner). I could be wrong though.

Message edited 8/23/2011 9:28:55 AM.

Re: What is the difference

Re: What is the difference

This is what I got from Babycenter....

"You may pass your mucus plug — the small amount of thickened mucus that has sealed your cervical canal during the last nine months — if your cervix begins to dilate as you get close to labor.

The plug may come out in a lump or as increased vaginal discharge over the course of several days. The mucus may be tinged with brown, pink, or red blood, which is why it's referred to as "bloody show." Having sex or a vaginal exam can also disturb your mucus plug and cause you to see some blood-tinged discharge, even when labor isn't going to start in the next few days."

Re: What is the difference

And here is what "What to Expect" says...

Bloody Show — What It Is
"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.
Bloody Show — What Causes It
This "passage" means the blood vessels in the cervix are rupturing as the cervix begins to open up. (This is a good, normal thing.)
Bloody Show — What You Need to Know
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.
Bloody Show — What You Can Do About It
Keep an eye on the discharge. If it seems heavy (more than two tablespoons) or turns bright red, contact your practitioner ASAP. Bleeding could be a sign of placenta previa or placenta abruption, both of which require immediate medical attention.
Otherwise, just get ready for show time, Mom!


Sorry you have me interested too as I am expecting one or the other any day now too.

Re: What is the difference

Posted by RocPin

And here is what "What to Expect" says...

Bloody Show — What It Is
"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.
Bloody Show — What Causes It
This "passage" means the blood vessels in the cervix are rupturing as the cervix begins to open up. (This is a good, normal thing.)
Bloody Show — What You Need to Know
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.
Bloody Show — What You Can Do About It
Keep an eye on the discharge. If it seems heavy (more than two tablespoons) or turns bright red, contact your practitioner ASAP. Bleeding could be a sign of placenta previa or placenta abruption, both of which require immediate medical attention.
Otherwise, just get ready for show time, Mom!


Sorry you have me interested too as I am expecting one or the other any day now too.

Re: What is the difference

I'm 39w5d and anxiously looking for this every time I go to the bathroom (which is like twice an hour ). I feel like I did years ago right before "time of the month" anxiously looking for any sign of red or brown - but for the complete opposite reason!