Membrane Sweep

Fweetie

I have my next internal on Thursday and I have seen on here that a lot of women will get a membrane sweep at 38-39 weeks.  Just wondering if this is routine or if I have to request it....?  I just want to get the show on the road! lol  

gooliahank

My midwives only do this at 40 weeks if GBS negative.

stacinsean

Last pg my NP asked if I wanted it done, and I went ahead with it and it didn't do diddly squat, so I'd never have it done again even if I wasn't going in for a repeat c-section. It probably depends on the office you go to though. 

Zach&Kelly

Since my dr hasn't mentioned it, I asked her about doing it last week at my 38 wk appt.  She said that she did not do it before 39wks.  If I'm still pregnant at Wednesday's appointment, I'm going to ask again about doing it.  She did tell me that you have to be at a certain dialation/effacement point for her to do it too, but I didn't ask what that point was.  She just said she refused to do it if your body wasn't totally ready for labor.

Jelliebean1982

You can ask your OB about it. They all do things differently and it never hurts to ask.

MrsS2203

Having had this done I can honestly say you don't want to do this unless absolutely necessary.  It hurt like crazy and was very uncomfortable.

mandyhall2882

I don't see why your doctor wouldn't do that for you, since you are having an internal exam anyway. If your doctor doesn't bring it up, I would definitely ask before the exam.

mcatmay

Had it done at 39 weeks and 2 days - it was NOT comfortable. At that point, i was 2cm dilated and 60% effaced, which is why my MW was fine with doing it. It did diddly squat (to quote PP :-) Still sitting here with an inside baby four days later. 

SoxFan777

MrsS2203:

Having had this done I can honestly say you don't want to do this unless absolutely necessary.  It hurt like crazy and was very uncomfortable.

I'm not looking forward to it, but the Dr. says it's the last step before scheduling an induction.... So I feel like it beats the alternative.   

megd06

MrsS2203:

Having had this done I can honestly say you don't want to do this unless absolutely necessary.  It hurt like crazy and was very uncomfortable.

Not necessarily--my friend had it done 2 wks ago (it worked) and she said she didn't even notice it.

GingerCupcake

I had one at 40 weeks 2 days when I was pregnant with DD1. I would say it was slightly painful, definitely uncomfortable. I had some minor cramping afterwards but still ended up being induced at 41 weeks. That being said, I have had friends that have had it done and gone into labour later the same day or next morning.

Fweetie

Thanks ladies!  After internals I cramp and hurt, so I'll probably be the one who thinks this is painful! lol,  I will def ask my doctor about it!  Thank you! 

missjilly1025

Zach&Kelly:

Since my dr hasn't mentioned it, I asked her about doing it last week at my 38 wk appt.  She said that she did not do it before 39wks.  If I'm still pregnant at Wednesday's appointment, I'm going to ask again about doing it.  She did tell me that you have to be at a certain dialation/effacement point for her to do it too, but I didn't ask what that point was.  She just said she refused to do it if your body wasn't totally ready for labor.

My MW said the same thing - there isn't a point in doing this unless you already have some dilation. I believe that she said a woman has to be minimum of 2 centimeters and once done that labour usually comes within days.