37 wks. Bleeding after vaginal exam

[laurencita]

Hello all,
Just want to make sure all is normal with this one, and I don't feel up to calling the Dr. just yet. I had my internal yesterday. I am 3 cm and 80% effaced. Dr. told me to expect spotting. When I got home with my daughter, I went straight to the bathroom (as usual) and the toilet was filled with bright red blood. It was bright red when I wiped. It has since turned brown and seems to be stopping (the next morning). I don't recall this happening with my first. Any thing I need to be worried about?

[mommy2maya]

Are you soaking a pad? I'd have been worried about anything more than spotting, and would suggest a call to your provider.

[laurencita]

Not at this point. Yesterday was a lot, but today just tiny bit spotty and is brown. I am thinking maybe it was just b/c the blood vessels are so sensitive right now. I cannot find any info on Internet either.

[tinyshoes]

hmmmmmm....I wonder if your membranes were stripped.

stripping membranes (http://www.childbirth.org/AskACBE/labor/labor8.html)

Stripping of the membranes is done by the practitioner during a vaginal exam. While checking the cervix, they slide their finger between the cervix and the amniotic sac, and sweep their finger around, partially separating the sac from the uterus as far as they can reach....It is often done without the woman's consent...Stripping the membranes can be painful for a woman and she often will have some vaginal bleeding afterward.

HTH

[laurencita]

Hmmm. It could have been, but the exam was quite short. I a little uncomfortable. All spotting has stopped at this point. I am trying not to overthink it. The baby is moving and normal. Maybe I will call . . . it does seem off a bit.

[mytwogirls]

Don't be jumping to the conclusion your membranes were stripped yet. The cervix is VERY tender during pregnancy and yes, expect bleeding. If you are soaking a pad, then yes call your OB. I bled after each exam and if we had sex and it is to be expected. And yes, your OB or midwife is obligated to tell you if they stripped your membranes. I know, I know...some don't but they should. I think you are just fine mama. Sit back and relax and enjoy the last few weeks or days of pregnancy.

[Changed]

When my membranes were stripped, it hurt like hell. Unmistakable and nothing like a normal vaginal exam. I think your intuition is right and it's probably a blood vessel or something.