So the sweeping of the membranes seemed to have done something. I had some cramps after the procedure but ignored them (as I have been having cramps for the past couple of weeks) and took a short nap. When I woke up to pee, I noticed some blood on my underwear.
No reason to panic, since the doctor had warned that I might have some spotting. As as long as it’s not bright red and/or gushing, I had nothing to worry about.
It was only when I wiped that things got interesting. Was that…my MUCOUS PLUG? A bloody mucous plug at that.
Wait, I had read about this. Mucous plug + blood = bloody show.
I immediately turned to my pregnancy books and the powers of the interweb for their wisdom and advice about the bloody show. While some women lose their mucous plugs weeks before labor with no further progress, it seems that the bloody show is a slightly better indicator of things to come. 50% of women go into labor within 24 hours of passing their bloody show, “most” (whatever the heck that means) will go into labor within 3 days, while others can hang on for another week or two.
(And as if I needed more discouragement, OMGmom chimed in and told me that she went another two weeks after passing her bloody show. Thanks, Mandy!)
Needless to say I got pretty excited. I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up, but I’m sincerely hoping that I’ll be in the lucky 50% who goes into labor soon after passing their bloody show.
And to further entice my body, I vacuumed the house, prepared 순두부찌개 (soondubu jjigae, or Korean spicy tofu soup) for dinner and made it extra spicy, and even ignored my hip pains to go on a looooong walk, perhaps the most exercise I’ve gotten in months.
I will also be seducing my husband as we head to bed.
“But what if I don’t want to do it?”
“Too bad. I’ll rape you.”
“I’m scared.”
(To be completely honest, I have to give J mad props for continuing to have sex with me in my heavily pregnant state. I know it can’t be the most comfortable or reassuring thing in the world, nor can he be very much attracted to the whale that his wife has transformed into. So thanks, hubs!)
I will be sure to keep you all updated on my progress, or lack thereof. Please keep your fingers crossed for me that the baby will make her appearance soon!
P.S. — Isn’t it funny how just a year ago, Dooce blogged about losing her mucous plug and created such a “omg that was way too TMI” stir in the blogosphere? Now, here I sit, blogging about passing my bloody show. I’m sure people will find this offensive too.
P.P.S. — After I emailed my sister about what happened, she replied, “Bloody show? They really can’t think of a better name than that?” 
I like books, gadgets, spicy food, and art. I dislike shopping, hot weather, and the laws of entropy. Although I am a self-proclaimed computer nerd, I still have a love for handbags and makeup... and I am always teetering on high heels. To learn more about me, visit the 
HA! So sorry. Im such a buzz kill!
my husband remarked last weekend that he can't wait to see me pregnant cause he finds pregnant women incredibly attractive. we'll see if he thinks the same thing when i'm a 5'10" awkward whale in the next few years!!
you are hilarious gf. *sending some good karma your way for sharing about your bloody show experience*. baby girl, come on out!! NOW!!
Progress!!! This is really exciting! Crossing fingers for labor in the next 48 hours!!!!
The term "bloody show" always makes me think of Rocky Horror Picture Show for some reason. LOL.
crossing my fingers as well for some progress on the labor front!
I went into labor the next day after my doctor, "swept the membranes". You're close!
HAHAHA bloody show AND chunks? You're friggin awesome. I sort of wanted to gag a bit, but also wanted to hear more.
I know. That's weird.
Pregnancy is just so crazy and gross and incredibly interesting. And the sex part totally reminded me of Knocked Up, when they were have uncomfortable sex and he suggests doggy style and she says something like "NO, I do NOT want you to DO me like a DOG, thank you."
Maybe slip a little vodka in his drink, tell him he's pretty… 🙂
I'm trying to remember, I think I went into labor a few days after the doctor did the membrane sweep on me. I was about 60% effaced, and a couple centimeters dilated at that point. My appointment was on a Wednesday, and I went into labor that following Saturday. It could have had nothing to do with it, but I'd like to think it got the ball rolling.
Can you stand to walk around? That was the other thing – that morning, I distinctly remember vowing to "walk this baby out," and took my dog for a really long walk. It also seemed to help.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
I don't mean to be a buzz kill here, but you should honestly think your words through a little better sometimes before you write them. Realize you are writing in a blog, while personal – still accessible to the masses, and things like "I'm going to rape you" are crossing the line a little bit. It's not funny. Especially when you used in the forceful sex way.
Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you – I've been following the blog (lurking!) for months now, and I love it! Since I live in Teaneck, every day I wonder if you're nearby…hopefully on the way to have a baby!
It was just over a year ago I was in your shoes (my daughter turned one on Saturday!) and I remember being super duper uncomfortable and so desperate – I spent the last two days before she was born walking around. The only time I wasn't on my feet was when I slept! Then again, I don't think I was having the same pain issues you are…so I'm sending my labor vibes your way to help you out!