38 wk appt & completely freaked out!

I had my 38 week appointment and my OB found that I am not dilated & am 40% effaced. When she was done w/ my exam her fingers were covered in blood. She didn't seem concerned. I sure was! I sat up and we continued to talk and when she left I got up to get dressed and the bed was also covered in blood and blood gushed down my legs all over my feet and the floor. We called her back in and showed her and she said it was no big deal and to just keep an eye on it and if it doesn't get better then she will send me to L&D. Well it took me about 15 mins to get all cleaned up and to get the bleeding to stop. I haven't bled since. I am so freaked out because I have not had one speck of spotting my entire pregnancy and BOOM! It just doesn't seem normal but my OB was totally chill about it and was not the least bit concerned. What do you guys think?? My Group B Strep test came back positive also. That kinda sucks but I know it's not something I really have to worry about. My mom carried it and I was born with it so I am not surprised I am a carrier also. Anyway do you guys think I should go to L&D after work or is this totally normal when you are full term & progressing? Did my OB just irritate things when she had to do my check?

Thanks guys!

-Ashlie

WOW I would be terrified too!!  I have no advice but keep us posted and feel better!!

 Sounds to me like she may have stripped your membranes - though I don't think there is usually that much blood! 

Melanie

That's exactly what my co worker said. Can OBs accidentially strip you when they are checking dilation? She said that due to my positive Strep test she more than likely wouldn't strip me at all.
 
-Ashlie

There are a lot of times that a doctor will strip your membranes and not even tell you - my doctor with my first child did.  I'm sure if that's what you doctor did she was fully aware of it, even with your group b strep because they would just start to treat you with antibiotics as soon as you go into labor.

It really bothered me when my doctor stripped my membranes without my permission, but it was my first child so even if she would have asked me I probably would have said yes. Now I would never want to be stripped because I feel it is unnecessary and can lead to early labor. 

I hope your doing better!

Melanie

I'd be scared ****less... I can't believe you OB was so clam about it... I never had that with my daughter... hmmm

Hi there ...
I am not a doctor and can't give medical advice obviously, but if you are scared or uncomfortable, I say it is always better to err on the side of your own instinct. If you are the least bit scared or worried, then I would say to go in and be checked. Doctors are not Gods, and you should always trust yourse;lf. ;-)  If you are 40% effeced, it sounds like things are on their way ... take care, good luck! 

aww hun - no advice but I would call and ask for another opinion just to put your mind at ease! At my first OB visit the Dr told me that I have a sensitive cervix and to expect blood with any internal exams -when she has done it it has hardly been anything though, but I am only 16 weeks.

*Update*

I called labor and delivery and spoke with a nurse. She told me that my cervix is very easily irritated right now due to how far along I am so it is very normal to have bleeding like that when I get an exam. She said that as long as the bleeding slows down to a stop w/ in a day or two then all is ok! If the blood were to keep coming like it was and dripping etc that is when it becomes a concern but what I experienced was completely normal. I feel much better now! Thanks for all your well wishes and advice gals!

-Ashlie

Dear Lord!

i would of been scared like crazy too! you handled it way better than i would of, i am happy a nurse could explain it to you. i am very suprised that your doctor didn't tell you what was going on!! good luck girly you are almost there!! im excited for you having a baby is really awesome, check me out on face book if you want...search casey nallen or i believe you can search for my email address and if ya want that i will gladly give it to ya!!