laura - I promise to keep quiet after this one last post.
I was just browsing through my book and this is what is says about bloody discharge and cramps...
under PreLabour_Symptoms
Pink or Bloody Discharge - as the cervix effaces and dilates, capilliaries frequently rupture, tinting the mucus pink or streaking it with blood. This 'show' usually means labour will start but it could be as much as several days away.
Loss of the Mucous Plug - As the cervix begins to thin and open the 'cork' of mucus that seals the opening of the uterus becomes dislodged. This gelatinous chunk of mucus can be passed through the vagina a week or two or even three weeks before the first real contractions start, or just as labour begins.
Intensification of Braxton Hicks - These practise contractions may become more frequent and stronger, even painful.
under MucousPlugandBloodyShow
Passage of a bloody show, a mucus discharge tinged pink or brown with blood, is usually a sign that your cervix is effacing and/or dilating and that the process that leads to delivery is well under way. But it's a process with an erratic timetable that will keep you in suspense until the first true contractions. If your discharge should suddenly become bright red, especially is it seems to amount to more than 25g (about 2 tablespoons), contact the hospital immediately. Actual bleeding could indicate premature separation of the placenta (abruptio placenta) or placenta previa, both of which require prompt medical attention.
Abruptio_Placenta(abrupture) - This condition is responsible for 1 in 4 cases of late pregnancy bleeding. With a slight separation, bleeding may be as light as a light menstrual flow or as heavy as a heavy one, and may or may not contain clots. There may also be cramping or a mild ache in the abdomen, and uterine tenderness. With moderate separation, bleeding is heavier, the abdomen is tender and firm, and abdominal pain may be more severe, stemming from strong uterine contractions. Both mother and baby may show signs of blood loss. The diagnosis is made using patient history, physical examination and observation of uterine contractions and the fetal response to them. Ultrasound may be helpful, but only about half of abruptions can actually be seen on ultrasound.
Note: when the separation is slight, bed rest often stops the bleeding.
Placenta_Previa - you seem to know all about this, so I didn't think there was much point putting anything down about it.
laura - you may have the same book (What to Expect When You Are Expecting) and already have read this, but in case you haven't, I thought they explained it all very well. I thought it may be useful information to read.
Sorry for boring everyone. I shall go and hide in my shell and promise I won't come out again till tomorrow and not on this subject