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I am 38 weeks pregnant my due date is jan 2. i went to the doc today and they said im only dilated a finger tip so not much. my appointment was at 2:30 today well today at 7:00pm i felt a a gush which i thought was discharge but when i looked it was blood ( looked as if i started my period) the liner of my underwear was covered.. What could that mean? at first i thought maybe the doc could have stripped my membranes (i have no idea what that means) but thats what people are telling me. im not having any contractions or anything and the baby is still moving alot . this is my first pregnancy could you help me please
Amber,
Stripping your membranes is the term used for separating the membranes holding the bag of waters to the cervix. It releases prostaglandins which can help the cervix efface and dilate to help (a small amount) get your body progressing toward labor.
That being said, it is illegal (in the US) for your doctor to perform any such procedure without your knowledge and consent. However, being only a finger tip dilated, he should not have been able to do so anyway.
The bleeding could have been caused by the exam, which can break capillaries in the cervix and cause some light bleeding. This is most likely if it only happened this once and was just a small amount that didn't continue.
However, any time you are seeing some bleeding, it's best to check with your doctor to make sure nothing else is going on. It could be a sign of infection or other such issue and it's best to rule out any problems.
Best,
Catherine
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Answers by Expert:
Catherine Beier MS CBE
Expertise
I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.
Experience
I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.
Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.
Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.
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