Rather than an Australian expletive for describing a piece of entertainment, the term a 'bloody show' refers to the mucous plug or 'show' (sometimes mixed with blood) that can come away from the woman's vagina as she starts to push.
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show can also come away during prelabour or the 1st stage, but is more commonly seen towards the end of 1st stage or just after the cervix fully dilates. The blood is usually a small amount, bright red in colour, combined with thick mucous, but can be diluted so it looks pink, or have old clotted blood, making the show look brownish. Experiencing a show is not essential, and some women have a 'bloodless' labour, losing no blood at all until the baby is born and the placenta separates.
Dilation of the anus
As your baby moves further down the birth canal pressure from your baby's head pushing up against the bowel can force the woman's anus to distend and open out. Your caregiver often uses this sign to let them know that the baby is definitely progressing down and is likely to be born soon.
Some women find holding a warm compress against their anus can feel reassuring, as counter pressure is gently applied. Others don't want anyone to touch them in this area as they push. Try to avoid pulling your bottom in (a normal reaction to the sensations you are feeling) as this can tighten your pelvic floor and create resistance for the baby to descend. The baby needs you to relax and really 'let go' to be able to continue their journey downwards to be born. Sometimes sitting on the toilet can help with this.
Perineum stretching
As your baby's head reaches the perineum the perineal muscles slowly stretch. Sensations of burning and tingling can often be felt as the baby' head emerges. Your caregiver may watch your perineum to see how it is stretching. (Although this is not absolutely necessary and if you are squatting, on the toilet, or in the bath it is not really possible.) Some caregivers prefer to make a cut (or