Which term describes the discharge of mucus before labor?

• A. Placenta
• B. Amniotic Fluid
• C. Bloody Show
• D. Umbilical Cord

Answer: (C)

The discharge of mucus before labor is called the bloody show. It occurs when the mucus plug that seals the cervical canal during pregnancy is shed as the cervix begins to efface and dilate. The plug often comes out with a small amount of blood, producing pink or brown-tinged mucus. This signals that labor is approaching, though it can occur hours to days before labor starts and doesn’t pinpoint the exact time labor will begin. The other terms refer to different structures or fluids: the placenta is the organ that nourishes the fetus, amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus inside the sac, and the umbilical cord carries blood between fetus and placenta. The bloody show is specifically about the mucus plug being expelled.