Understanding Late Pregnancy Symptoms: Is Labor Starting?

Question
hi im 35 weeks pregnant im not sure but i think i had a show de other day it was like mucous wit blood in it and de same de day after dat but 2day it was just mucous 2day and i am also gettin niggley pains comin and going and tightness could this be slow labour

Answer
Dear Mairead,

Sorry about the delay in answering - I am actually supposed to be on vacation, but the system apparently did not set correctly. I happened to check in to make sure and saw there were three days worth of questions, so I will attempt some short answers while I have a house full of company going in thirty different directions around me! :-)

Yes, it does sound like you could be losing your mucus plug. Throughout the pregnancy, the increased secretions form a protective barrier, the mucus plug, at the opening to your uterus (the cervix). As the cervix begins to change - to stretch, dilate, and thin out - in preparation for labor, you may notice the loss of some of that mucus in a thick sticky discharge. It can be clear, pink-tinged, brown-tinged, or even streaked with a bit of red blood. This is all normal and does not necessarily mean that labor is beginning. Labor can be weeks away. It simply means that your cervix is beginning the process of getting ready.

There is typically no need to call your doctor right away unless you note a discharge contains bright red bleeding of more than about 2-3 tablespoons in amount. However, I would suggest you simply remember to note this event to your doctor at your next visit.

If the tightness in your belly does not dissipate when you change your activity (if resting, try walking around or if on feet, try resting), then it sounds like it is true labor and not Braxton-Hicks contractions. Here are some signs of true labor:
-Contractions come regularly, usually 4-6 minutes apart and can become closer together. Usually last 30-70 seconds.
-Contractions become stronger with time. You may also feel vaginal pressure.
-Contractions continue no matter what position changes you make or how much you drink.

If you are 35 weeks pregnant and you have regular contractions lasting more than 30 seconds and occurring more than 4-6 times an hour, try resting and drinking lots of fluids. If this doesn't help, you should call your doctor.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and a Merry Christmas.

Brenda