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Are Brown Discharge And Abdominal Cramps Indicative Of Labour?
Question: Im 39 weeks and 1 day pregnant. I just had a cervical exam to check if I was dilated yesterday and I was 3cm.
She said yesterday I could experience spotting or cramps. I didn't have anything like that, however today I have brown discharge and all over lower abdomen cramping. Is this from the exam yesterday still or could this possibly be the start of labour? The pain doesn't go away is constant so I cant time it to see if it's a contraction.
This is my third successful pregnancy but with both my other two no contractions started before water broke.
She said yesterday I could experience spotting or cramps. I didn't have anything like that, however today I have brown discharge and all over lower abdomen cramping. Is this from the exam yesterday still or could this possibly be the start of labour? The pain doesn't go away is constant so I cant time it to see if it's a contraction.
This is my third successful pregnancy but with both my other two no contractions started before water broke.
Brief Answer:
You should go to the hospital for evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
The scenario you described is common after a vaginal examination where your OB provider may had performed what we call a membrane stripping. "Stripping" refers to the technique during a pelvic exam of separating the amniotic sac from the cervix digitally. In patients who have delivered a baby before, it can induce labor.
Since you have delivered twice before, and you didn't feel contractions until your water broke, you are likely experiencing what we call "bloody show" which typically appears when you are significantly dilated, so you may be in quite advanced labor and not feel much.
So I suggest you contact your OB provider and go to your place of delivery immediately for a pelvic exam and evaluation.
I hope you follow my advice and that you have a healthy delivery and child.
Please do not hesitate to contact me further if you need anything else
Sincerely, Dr. Brown
You should go to the hospital for evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
The scenario you described is common after a vaginal examination where your OB provider may had performed what we call a membrane stripping. "Stripping" refers to the technique during a pelvic exam of separating the amniotic sac from the cervix digitally. In patients who have delivered a baby before, it can induce labor.
Since you have delivered twice before, and you didn't feel contractions until your water broke, you are likely experiencing what we call "bloody show" which typically appears when you are significantly dilated, so you may be in quite advanced labor and not feel much.
So I suggest you contact your OB provider and go to your place of delivery immediately for a pelvic exam and evaluation.
I hope you follow my advice and that you have a healthy delivery and child.
Please do not hesitate to contact me further if you need anything else
Sincerely, Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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