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Questions and Answers

Q. I'm 40 weeks & 5 days pregnant. yesterday morning I woke up and my mucus plug had passed. I had a little blood, then had irregular contractions throughout the day. I also had more blood 1 or 2 times yesterday afternoon. This morning I woke up no more contractions, and felt fine. Then a few hours ago I started bleeding again, this time a lot like a menstrual period, but not constant! Is this normal? I called my doctor yesterday afternoon, and he said not to worry, go to the hospital when contractions are 3-5 minutes apart and last 45 or more seconds, or my water breaks! I just feel funny about all this blood. Is this something to worry about? I did start more contractions within the last hour, but they are not close enough.

A. If you are uncomfortable with "all this bleeding" go on to the hospital and be checked. It is normal to have some blood as a result of cervical changes, but if you having to change your pad hourly, it is probably enough to be checked. Hope you have a great delivery!

Debi Fatherree, RN, has been in nursing for 10 years. All of it has been with a childbirth focus. She has worked postpartum, nursery, NICU and have cross trained some in Labor and Delivery. She started a infant home visit and prenatal educational program in her rural home town and was nominated for Maternal Child nurse of the Year in 1995. She and her husband were transferred with his company 1 1/2 years ago and she started teaching chidlbirth classes and doing breastfeeding classes and consults. She also works as a doula and has her own business, StorkHelp. Debi is mom to three wonderful children - Katie, age 8, Hannah, age 6 and Bobby, age3 (my spit fire.) She and her husband have been married thirteen years, a great accomplishment these days. She currently teaches in the hospital setting and privately through StorkHelp.

Debi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.