Spotting after cervical exam at nearly 37 weeks pregnant with baby #1 - also 1cm dilated. Is this normal? Could labor happen soon?

[Anonymous]

So I am almost 37 weeks pregnant (will hit that marker later this week).

Today, my OB said I was 1cm dilated when they did a cervical check. They also felt the baby's head, indicating my baby is head down and in the appropriate position.

A couple hours after I came home from the appointment, my underwear was covered with a different kind of spotting. Like a tannish color. No smell. Just colored. First thing this morning when I peed before having my appointment, I had off-creamy colored kind of stringy discharge. Usually, I just have whiteish, clear or very pale yellowish discharge without any odor or other symptoms.

I put on a panty liner after I changed my underwear and I still see some of that tannish looking discharge.

Did the cervical exam cause the spotting or could I maybe be seeing my mucus plug coming out?

I know being 1cm doesn't always mean you'll quickly progress into full labor. I know some ladies stay at 1cm-2cm for a week or more and some go from 1cm to baby time in a matter of hours. This is also my first baby, so I'm not sure how all this works completely.

This is the first time I've seen any "colored" spotting. There is also a chance my initial due date is off/wrong because my belly measurements have been ahead and I had an ultrasound on the 3rd trimester that also indicated I'm 2 weeks ahead at least. I am getting another ultrasound tomorrow to check things so I'm not sure if I'm actually more ahead or not right now.

I was just wondering if spotting like this is normal and what I should be on the look out for as far as dilating further and labor progressing goes.

I haven't had any signs of my water breaking - no gush and no "uncontrollable trickle" or anything yet. I have been getting some discomfort in my back and stomach area (but back pain has been common for me throughout this pregnancy).

I just want to be sure I go to the hospital at the right time lol

[WintersDaughter]

Cervical exams can cause spotting and even light contractions. The discharge could definitely be your mucus plug, but that's not an indicator that labor will start soon. Your OB could have "sweeped the membrane" during the cervical exam without your consent or knowledge to get labor started soon.

Due dates are rarely ever right. It's actually not common for a woman to give birth on her due date, most go about a week or two after. Your doctor might try to suggest an induction, they are never necessary for going past your due date. It's not dangerous for you or your baby to go to 42 weeks.

Labor usually begins with contractions, not your water breaking. A good time to go to the hospital would be when your contractions are coming every five minutes and last one minute for at least two hours.

[Asker]

Thank you. I am still seeing some colored spotting off and on. I understand due dates are super inaccurate a lot of times and babies will come whenever they are ready! I have also heard how rare it is to actually be born on your official due date. Most are a few days off either way.

I don't think I'm in labor yet. I think the spotting could very well be from the exam as well as just my body preparing. I take it as a positive sign that I am definitely on the right path and my body is getting ready for the labor process.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Hi I'm sorry people have been rude to you, she looks so fake and catfish/scammer behind them glasses, beware of her. Thank you, my opinion, ask your doctor about the discharge and make sure to tell him more stuff about what is happening. Also, beware of blood spotting, that is something you got to be careful. At least I think, so there could be chances your baby will be trying to come early. Best wishes on this matter and sorry about that horrible person, you deserve better people to give you opinions. -Hugs- for you and the baby and daddy to be <3 <3 God Bless You All !

[Asker]

Thank you for your kindness! I agree, she looks like a typical internet troll/fake with no life. Must be sad to be that miserable.

No more spotting as of now. I had another ultrasound to keep an eye on the growth and position and my baby's head is getting a bit lower, so yeah. I would say labor won't be all that far off!

We are VERY excited to meet our baby! This is such a blessing and we are so happy God gave us the chance to be this sweet little one's parents!

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Thanks for MHO :) Thanks for your kindness and God Bless the little Baby!!!

[RebelinSteel]

In the UK we have a system called 101

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dial-101-for-non-emergencies
It’s really good and saves asking GaG’s plethora of medical staff.

[Asker]

Not in the UK, but thank you.

[MasterKS]

Many things help at this point, you be fine!

[Abbycado]

Yeah, let’s get on the internet and ask 🙄

[Asker]

Plenty of people ask worse questions. No problem or harm in hearing experiences and opinions from others. Take the negativity elsewhere.

[Abbycado]

Try to not be a fuckwit and ask doctors for medical advice about pregnancy. God….

[Asker]

Try having a better attitude and be less unpleasant. People can ask basically anything on here. This isn't asking for medical advice, this is asking for experience and opinions.

[Abbycado]

You’re very smart.

There…

[Asker]

And you're a sarcastic b*tch. There.