The process of labor pains does not always take place in exact accordance with textbook descriptions in medical textbooks. Much depends on the individual characteristics of the woman and her pregnancy.
Therefore, the appearance of spotting already at the stage of labor is not at all uncommon. Is this normal and what to do if they appear, we will tell in this article.
Causes
Contractions are rhythmic contractions of the uterine muscles, the task of which is to cause the cervix to open. This process is painful and rather long. The neck needs to expand by 10-12 centimeters so that the baby's head can pass. Often, the period of contractions is accompanied by the manifestation of various secretions, including bloody ones, associated with the discharge of the mucous plug.
A clot of blood-streaked mucus tightly closes the cervical canal of the cervix throughout pregnancy. But when the active preparation of the female body for childbirth begins, the neck becomes softer, smoothed out, the cork can begin to move away either entirely or in parts.
It may look like light, yellowish, or pink mucus streaked with blood. Such discharge may appear not only at the stage of "precursors", but also during contractions.
There is no need to be afraid - there is a completely natural and physiological process of opening the neck for the subsequent exit of the baby. It is only important to make sure that the discharge does not intensify, does not turn into scarlet blood.
Small bloody or brown discharge may appear when contractions begin and after examination by a gynecologist. After a woman arrives at the hospital, she will be examined, and therefore such discharge should also not frighten and alarm.
Red blood during contractions, profuse bleeding is a more alarming situation. This is how premature placental abruption can occur. Normally, the "baby's place" leaves its place after the birth of the baby, in the subsequent period of childbirth. If an earlier detachment occurs, it is fraught with bleeding, a state of acute hypoxia for the child, which can lead to irreversible changes in his brain and the entire central nervous system. The kid may die.
Bright red, scarlet blood during contractions is not considered normal. Her appearance is a reason to call an "ambulance" if the woman is still at home, or immediately inform the medical staff about this if the woman in labor is already in the obstetric facility.
Actions
When profuse bleeding appears with the first contractions or a little later, you need to immediately go to the hospital and report this unpleasant news to the medical staff right from the doorway.
If there is a placental abruption, the woman will urgently undergo a cesarean section, since delay is unacceptable.
For moderate bloody (do not confuse with blood!) Discharge, use pads, avoid getting water into the vagina, for example, while showering at home before going to the hospital or in the emergency department of the hospital.
Without a mucous plug, the baby has no mechanical barrier protection against viruses, bacteria and fungi. If aggressive flora or microorganisms enter the uterine cavity, an internal infection can develop rather quickly, which is extremely dangerous for the baby and for the mother.
If bloody or scarlet discharge is accompanied by the separation of a large amount of fluid, premature discharge of water is not excluded. In such a situation, you should also go to the maternity hospital as soon as possible, without waiting for the contractions to become more severe. In the admission department, you also need to immediately say that the outflowing fluid had a bloody, pink, brown or other hue. This will help doctors quickly choose the right tactics for managing labor.
The main thing is not to panic or get nervous. Doctors have many ways to cope with a particular emergency situation that arose during childbirth. Trust them.
For discharge, contractions and other harbingers of childbirth, see the next video.
