Postpartum Bleeding After Childbirth: Causes & What to Expect

Question
i had a baby 2 years ago, i never got an answer to something i was wondering about. i went to bed and started contracting around mid night. at around 5 am, i stood up and felt a gush, i ran to the bathroom and what fluid hadnt gotten soaked into my nightgown was all over the floor and all over me, when i looked down it was all blood.  My water had not broke on its own with my first child (which by the way was 18 years previous) i thought the water was supposed to be clear.  i was wondering what this meant.  I was almost 40 at this birth and had some early term spotting.  Any ideas? the doctor claimed they didnt see the placenta compromised and nobody could give a good explanation.  the delivery was ok other than the fact the baby came out sunny side up. thanks for your help, its driving me nuts not knowing !

Answer
The only explanation I can think of is that you had a "Bloody Show" and you were lying on your bed when it occurred, and you got it all over your nightgown. A bloody show is caused by the cervix thinningout and partially starting to dilate. It occurs around 1 week prior to labor starting.