Bloody Mucous after Cervical Exam (among other symptoms!)

[madaboutmaddie]

Hi there,

***Sorry for any tmi details here!****

I just joined the mothering community and have a question for you experienced moms out there!

I am 38 weeks and 5 days pregnant and this is my second child (another girl! Madeleine is three). On Thursday evening I had a vaginal exam at my midwives and she said that I am about 1-2 cm dilated, 50% effaced, cervix is anterior, but baby is not engaged. On Friday morning, I wiped and had this large, dark red bloody mucous thing on the toilet paper. I have continued to lose mucous since, all tinged with blood ranging from pink to brown to bright red. So it's been 48 hours since the exam and still it's coming. I have been having irregular, but painful contractions, some causing back pain. With Maddie, I had no prior symptoms, no show, no plug, and painless BH contractions. I had her at 41 weeks and it was with a sudden onset of labour, delivered her 8 uncomplicated hours later. So this is all new!

I would appreciate any wisdom or knowledge you can offer: could this be early labour? Should I get checked out?

Thanks!!!!!

P.S. My midwife did a stretch and sweep as well on Thursday night.

[kittywitty]

Could be from the sweep.  It won't hurt calling and letting them know, but it sounds like very early labor.

[LadyCatherine185]

probably from the sweep... I am wondering why she did one so early?

[rosie29]

Yeah, I'd guess it was from the sweep as well, but I agree, it wouldn't hurt to run it by your MW.  Welcome to MDC!  Your avatar art is gorgeous!  Where did you get it from?!

[madaboutmaddie]

Thanks for your replies!

Rosie 29, I have no idea where that avatar art came from---the site chose it for me! Wish I could say I was responsible for the creativity :)

I have no idea why my midwife did the sweep this early. I mean, she asked me if I wanted one and I agreed to it, but I did think it was sort of early myself. They never worked with my DD so I just thought, why not? Give it a go, but I figured nothing would result. I never had this kind of bleeding/mucous with my first so this is strange.

Tonight I am having more irregular, but painful contractions, and alot of cervical twinges (sharp pains). As well as a backache. I am really wondering if something is getting started here....