blood during labor/before birth

[veganjoy]

I'm planning my second homebirth, and wondering how much blood (if any) is normal in labor, specifically when pushing or just before a baby is birthed. The only things that would cause bleeding at this time would be a tear or a placental abruption, right? I know this sounds terribly naive, but I hadn't really considered it before now, and want a very good idea of what to expect!

[liz-hippymom]

bloody mucus is normal, clots and running blood are not.

[MsBlack]

Actually, while unusual, some women do have a bloody show that is normal but contains some clots. These will be smallish--no bigger than a quarter and usually less. But bloody show does vary, from barely pink-tinged mucus to quite a bit more of bloody/clotty fluid (still no more than a couple tablespoons all together, usually bits over time, always clearly in a 'base' of mucus/fluid).

But yes, running blood/trickling blood would be a problem.

[veganjoy]

Thank you. I never had bloody show with my first, but had a small amount of blood during pushing (probably from a tear, but my midwife thought otherwise). If it were clear that the blood had an internal source, how much time would I have? Is that a "get to the hospital immediately" situation, or would I have some time to get the baby out (and then treat with shepherd's purse or another placenta extractor/hemmorhaging remedy before transferring)?

[laughymama]

[veganjoy]

Bumping, because I really want to know about this:

If it were clear that the blood had an internal source, how much time would I have? Is that a "get to the hospital immediately" situation, or would I have some time to get the baby out (and then treat with shepherd's purse or another placenta extractor/hemmorhaging remedy before transferring)?