Blood after a membrane sweep

The bleeding should be light rather than flowing heavily. Its presence alone does not confirm that labour has begun, so pay attention to contractions, fluid loss and your baby's usual movements as well.

During a sweep, a clinician passes a finger through the cervix and gently separates the membranes from the lower part of the womb. The cervix has small blood vessels that can bleed after this contact. Mucus mixed with pink, red or brown blood may also be part of a show as the cervix softens.

Cramping and irregular tightenings may follow. These can settle or develop into labour, but bleeding by itself cannot tell you what will happen next.

Use a maternity pad rather than a tampon so you can see the amount and colour. Rest if you feel uncomfortable, drink fluids and follow the advice your maternity team gave after the procedure. Note when the bleeding began and whether it is increasing, easing or accompanied by regular contractions.

Keep monitoring your baby's normal pattern of movement. If you are uncertain whether clear fluid is leaking, put on a clean pad and contact your maternity unit for guidance.

Call your maternity unit urgently if bleeding is fresh, heavy, increasing or soaking a pad; if you pass large clots; or if you feel faint, weak or unwell. Seek prompt assessment for severe or constant abdominal pain, fever, reduced baby movements, or fluid loss that may mean your waters have broken.

Contact the team whenever the bleeding feels more than the light spotting they told you to expect. In an emergency, use local emergency services.

Ask what amount of bleeding is expected in your situation, whom to call outside clinic hours, how to recognise established labour and what the next plan is if labour does not start. Mention any medicines that affect bleeding and any pregnancy complications already being monitored.