Will she bleed before giving birth?

Question
Hello,

We rescued a 2 year old Choc Lab from a farm recently.  We were told she had given birth to puppies 2 months prior to us recieving her.  

We took her to the vet for shots and a check up 1 day after bringing her home.  The vet told us someone lied to us that she wasn't giving birth 2 months ago, but she was in heat and we should expect puppies any day.  That was 3 weeks and 2 days ago...she doesn't look pregnant, however when she lies down her belly is a bit big and I sometimes feel little flutters (could be gas?)  

her nipples haven't changed any since we got her, they kinda sag, especially in the back.

Her temperature dropped 2 days ago to 98.8, then went back up to 100.0 and now is at 99.  2 days ago she began spotting--seems to me she is in heat opposed to being pregnant.  

I do have a vet appt on the 15th--but was wondering if spotting is part of the pre-whelping?

The vet determined she was pregnant simply by feeling her belly--he didn't do any pregnancy testing on her.  I plan to go get an ultra sound this week as well.

Any other advice?

Cheers--Donna

Answer
Hi. It is not normal for a dog to bleed, or have a colored discharge before the birth of the first puppy. I would definitely find out for sure if she's pregnant or not. It could be that she's just starting her heat cycle. It's really hard to say for sure either way without being able to see her. I don't know, it's odd. If she continues to spot, call the vet back and see if you can't get her in earlier. On the off chance that she is pregnant, this needs to be checked out. Good luck.