Blood in birth

[Velvetee]

I've been terrifying myself further, by watching Portland Babies on the Home and Health channel. The programme features a variety of women who will give birth at the private Portland Hospital in London.

I was wondering, when women give birth, the baby is always covered in what seems like alot of blood. I wouldn't imagine there was blood in the Amniotic sac, so where is all this blood coming from? It was all rather frightening.

[Lil O'lady]

You'd be better not watching it if it upsets you. There is some bleeding involved in most births because of tissues being cut, as in an episiotomy, or tearing. In a woman lucky enough to drop one like a pea from a pod with no teariing or cutting, and with no other difficulties, the infant will be covered in the contents of the amniotic sac. As the blood-filled placenta has been feeding the baby and is cuddled up next to it, its reasonable to expect a bit of blood-stained material being around. But definitely not covered in gore.

[growlybear]

As Crimewatch UK used to say, don't give yourself nightmares.

Fact - what appears to you as blood, is the lining of the vagina coming away having done its job in protecting the baby during the last nine months. See it as a disposable liner if you like. Doesn't hurt you or the baby.

[redcrx]

velvet, you can ask that baby be washed or just wiped before you have your first cuddle if youre worried about the mess.

My first cuddle with baby CRX, she was covered in poo from where she'd been to toilet in her waters before birth.
It took 2 days to get it washed out of her hair lol

Babies dont come out clean, there can be a bit of blood, some poo, and vernix too (a white greasy sort of coating they have to protect them in the womb.

[onlyme26]

hi v
i dont remember blood with my first, she was all messy tho, they ask you first what you would like to do, i just asked for her to be handed straight to me, i couldnt wait for the first cuddle, she was all gooy!! but you really dnt care st the time,

you may bleed alot afterwards, well everyone is different, i bled loads straight after, you have to remember you are very open down there!
i made the mistake of watching things i shouldnt, its just curiousity takes over sometimes! but not always the best idea! dont worry there is no better place to be then the hospital xx

[warpig3]

Don't worry velvetee, if you have a natural birth, the amount of blood will be the last thing on your mind, the ceasation of pain will be much more noticeable! The piglet was covered when she was handed to me and I ended up cutting off some of her hair a few days later 'cos I couldnt get the stuff washed out as it was so matted.

[ladybird49]

Nice to see your name on here again warpig (im patriciaH) had to change my name !

How are you and baby? xx