38 weeks pregnant with red blood in vaginal discharge

As the due date approaches, the pregnant woman's body will show various signs of labor. Understanding these characteristics will help us provide good prenatal care. The presence of red blood in the vaginal discharge at 38 weeks of pregnancy is commonly known as spotting, and is also a manifestation before delivery. However, we must distinguish it from threatened abortion, which is often accompanied by obvious abdominal pain. If this is the case, you need to go to the hospital for examination in time.

Because of the contraction of the uterus, the baby's head begins to fall into the pelvis, and the fetal membrane and uterine wall gradually separate and the friction will cause blood vessels to rupture and bleed, which is commonly known as spotting. It is usually a pink or brown viscous liquid, or blood in the secretions. Generally, spotting occurs 24 hours before labor pains, but it may also occur repeatedly a few days before delivery or even a week before delivery. If there is only a light streak of blood and the amount is not large, the pregnant mother can stay at home to observe and pay attention not to overwork and avoid strenuous exercise. If you experience fresh bleeding, the amount of bleeding exceeds that during your menstrual period, or you experience abdominal pain, you should be hospitalized immediately. You can go to the hospital on your own, there is no need to call an ambulance.

Many women believe that they will have contractions immediately after they see blood. Because of the mental tension, they focus their attention completely on this, which leads to insomnia. The physical fatigue caused by lack of sleep will lead to decreased physical strength and lack of energy, which is very unfavorable for childbirth. Keep a good mood, wait actively and patiently, eat normally, ensure sleep, and maintain physical strength.

Precautions after seeing red

1. Spotting does not mean immediate delivery

Generally speaking, "seeing blood" means that delivery is imminent, but of course it varies from person to person. It doesn't mean you will give birth immediately after you see blood. Everyone's physiological conditions are different. Seeing blood is just a sign that labor pains are about to begin. Delivery will occur 1-2 days after seeing blood. Some people need 4-5 days.

For those who have not had spotting before delivery, be sure to prepare diapers when going out. Especially for women who are giving birth for the first time, they will not give birth immediately after seeing blood, so they need to wait patiently.

2. Seeing blood does not mean immediate labor pains

Many women believe that they will have contractions immediately after they see blood. Because of the mental tension, they focus their attention completely on this, which leads to insomnia. The physical fatigue caused by lack of sleep will lead to decreased physical strength and lack of energy, which is very unfavorable for childbirth. Keep a good mood, wait actively and patiently, eat normally, ensure sleep, and maintain physical strength.

3. Differentiate between spotting and bleeding

If there is no new situation within 1-2 days after the mother's bleeding, there is no need to worry too much. If the bleeding cannot be stopped and is accompanied by pain, it is not spotting. If you cannot judge after bleeding, you should seek medical attention immediately.