Many people confuse bloody show and the mucus plug—they think it’s the same thing, but it’s not. So how can you tell the difference between bloody show vs. mucus plug?
The mucus plug is a clump of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy. It helps to prevent bacteria from getting into the uterus. Bloody show is bloody mucus that comes from the cervix as the cervix starts to open. When the cervix opens capillaries inside of it burst, causing bloody mucus.
The mucus plug looks like a big giant clump of mucus. It’s usually yellow or white. It may also be mixed with some bloody show so it might be pink, brown or have streaks of blood in it. The mucus plug comes out when the cervix starts to soften and open. It may come out all at once or in pieces—either way is normal. For more information about the mucus plug, click here.
Bloody show looks like thick bloody mucus. It’s usually thicker than your period flow and there's less of it, though there are exceptions. When you go into labor and contractions cause your cervix to open, you’ll start producing some bloody show. In transition, which is the shortest but most intense phase of labor, many women produce a lot of bloody show as the cervix opens from 7 to 10 cms. You may also see some of this bloody mucus on the baby when it’s born.
- If you're before 37 weeks and you pass your mucus plug or have bloody show
- If you're bleeding like the middle of your period or heavier
The information in this article is not medical advice. This information is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure anything during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum time. Always check with your care provider before following any advice from TheOnlyBabyStop.com.