AboutBrenda Expertise I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. In addition to that, I am a mother of two, ages 21 and 16, both of which I had hoped would be vaginal deliveries, but ended up being C-Sections... one of which had me in pre-term labor...another which was frank breech (bottom first)... one who rejected the breast... and so on... to list my personal experience would be a bit lengthy! I'd simply like to help anyone who might have a question or concern that I can draw on my expertise to answer!
Experience I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. My experience also includes approximately three years working in Behavioral Services.
Education/Credentials Graduated from the Mary Lanning School of Nursing in May 1988. Have been a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of NE since 1988.
Question I am 21 years old, and 36 weeks, 5 days pregnant with my second child. I had bright red blood and thick white mucus in equal proportion to my stool tonight. It scared me. I had a seizure at 26 weeks, and in the month that followed I lost 12 pounds from a combination of nausea, heartburn, sleep deprivation, and stress. (I have now put back most of the weight I lost, been gaining well since I started regulating my diet and level of activity strictly.) I've also been experiencing abdominal, rectal, and vaginal pain lately - I attributed it to my body gearing up for the "grand finale", but if it could indicate something else in conjuction with everything else I thought I should mention it.
I don't know if any of these are contributing factors, or if they help to give you an idea of what caused this, but I thought I should mention everything.
If you can tell me what this could be; whether it is something to be concerned about or most likely nothing to worry about, I would just be able to sleep better until I can see my Doctor if I know.
Answer Dear Deborah,
I am wondering if you noted the blood and mucus upon wiping or actually attached to the stool itself, as there would be a difference. If it was upon wiping, I would suspect that it was some bloody show with the loss of part or all of your mucous plug - given your gestation and lower pelvic symptoms. If you actually noted it on the stool, I would recommend that you report that to your OB doctor for further evaluation - especially if it has continued. In fact, you should report it regardless, simply so he/she knows that you have potentially lost the mucous plug and your cervix may be beginning to dilate in preparation for labor.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and do apologize for the delay - unfortunately I am dealing with a personal family crisis.
