gynecology and obstetrics
Management of Normal Labor
Beginning of labor
Rupture of the chorioamniotic membranes or bloody show is diagnostic for onset of labor. Bloody show (a small amount of blood with mucous discharge from the cervix) may precede onset of labor by as much as 72 hours. Bloody show can be differentiated from abnormal Vaginal Bleeding During Late Pregnancy because the amount is small, bloody show is typically mixed with mucus, and the pain due to Labor begins with irregular uterine contractions of varying intensity; they apparently soften (ripen) the cervix, which begins to efface and dilate. As labor progresses, contractions increase in duration, intensity, and frequency. 