Question about stripping membranes

meganscherer

My doctor has not talked to me about this but was wondering what does the doctor do to strip your membranes? From what I have heard it can be uncomfortable and can hurt. I am a FTM so everything is still new to me. TIA!

lindsayandjamie

Ainslie325:

My understanding is that your doctor will use his or her finger in a hooking motion to separate the amniotic sac from the uterine wall.  Hormones are released when the sac separates from the wall, and these hormones have been known to stimulate contractions.

This is correct. Ive had it done twice and it can only be done if you are already dilated. I had some bleeding and cramping the same day, and lost my mucous plug of the following 3 days, but it did not put me into labour. 

smdetrick

I had it done at 39 and 40w3d. The 2nd time it made me start contracting within 3 hours. I thought I was in labor for about 14 hours and then they just stopped. I was already 3-4cm and 50% effaced. I still ended up having to be induced at 41 weeks. But I have heard of it working for other people! I didn't think it was too painful... Just a little uncomfortable. Good luck!