What to do if you have a little spotting in late pregnancy

If a pregnant woman sees spotting in the late period of labor, it is likely a sign of imminent labor, which is a normal characteristic. There are many possible reasons for late-term pregnancy spotting, the worst of which is miscarriage. When encountering this situation, as for how to deal with it, it is necessary to diagnose the cause first, so as to determine whether it is physiological or pathological. So, what should you do if you have a little spotting in the late pregnancy? Let’s take a look below.

Generally, spotting occurs 24 hours before labor pains, but it may also occur repeatedly a few days before delivery or even a week before delivery. If there is only a light streak of blood and the amount is not large, the pregnant mother can stay at home to observe and pay attention not to overwork and avoid strenuous exercise.

Many pregnant mothers believe that they will have contractions immediately after seeing blood. Because of the mental tension, they focus their attention completely on this, which leads to insomnia. The physical fatigue caused by lack of sleep will lead to decreased physical strength and lack of energy, which is very unfavorable for childbirth. Keep a good mood, wait actively and patiently, eat normally, ensure sleep, and maintain physical strength.

If you experience fresh bleeding, the amount of bleeding exceeds that during your menstrual period, or you experience abdominal pain, you should be hospitalized immediately.

When a pregnant mother starts to see blood, she should pay special attention to some precautions, such as whether she will give birth immediately, whether she will have contractions immediately, etc. This can help improve pregnant mothers' awareness and relieve some of the tension and anxiety caused by spotting.

1. Spotting does not mean immediate delivery

Generally speaking, "seeing blood" means that delivery is imminent, but of course it varies from person to person. Everyone's physiological conditions are different. Seeing spotting is just a sign that labor pains are about to begin. It will take 1-2 days after seeing spotting to give birth, while for some people it may take 4-5 days.

For those who have not had spotting before delivery, be sure to prepare diapers when going out. Especially for first-time mothers, delivery will not occur immediately after spotting, so you need to wait patiently.

2. Seeing blood does not mean immediate labor pains

Many women believe that they will have contractions immediately after seeing blood, which makes them nervous and focuses their attention entirely on this, leading to insomnia. Insomnia causes physical fatigue and leads to a decrease in physical strength. In fact, this is very detrimental to childbirth. Keep a good mood, wait actively and patiently, eat normally, ensure sleep, and maintain physical strength.

3. Differentiate between spotting and bleeding

If there is no new situation within 1-2 days after the mother's bleeding, there is no need to worry too much. If the bleeding cannot be stopped and is accompanied by pain, it is not spotting. If you cannot judge after bleeding, you should seek medical attention immediately.

How to distinguish bleeding from spotting

(1) Can it be stopped immediately?

If the bleeding does not stop within 1-2 days, you should go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible to see if it is caused by other reasons. Is it painful? If the pain is very severe, there may be special circumstances. Go to the hospital for examination immediately. If you cannot move, call an ambulance.

(2) Is it sticky?

The blood that comes out during bloody show is mixed with mucus, while bleeding is not mixed with mucus.

(3) Is the amount of bleeding heavy?

If the amount of bleeding is heavier than your period and you use more sanitary napkins than usual, you should seek medical attention immediately.