Talk to me about stripping membranes...

mommybrynn

I have heard it hurts, but beyond that, what IS it?  I hear it a lot and know it is supposed to get labor going.  I have an OB appt today and would like to get the ball rolling here... my OB has never mentioned it to me and I was thinking about asking her to do it for me.

shellebelle123

Basically it involves separating the bag of waters from the side of the uterus near the cervix. It didn't hurt any more than any other internal exam for me, and my dr didn't mention it at any appointment prior to doing it at my 39 week appointment. It didn't work for me, unless you count 14 hours of nonproductive labor the next day with regular, timeable contractions that got up to 2 min apart and a trip to L&D that lasted 3 hours before they sent me home. I think if your LO is ready it might work, but for me it just resulted in a day/night of emotional and physical exhaustion!

lindsayandjamie

It is essentially a rough nternal. You must be at least a little bit dilated on your own and the dr/mw will take his or her fingers and sweep them between your amniotic sac and the wall of the uterus to seperate the bag of waters. It releases hormones that could put you into labour if you are already ready to go. It can cause spotting and cramping for a day or two, and can be uncomfortable or painful depending on your body and your doctor.  I've had it done twice, I'm already 4cm and thin, and had to go on bedrest at 33 weeks for ptl and neither time worked for me. I'll be trying again on Wed since I'll be overdue. I also lost my mp both times for a few days after.  The risk is premature rupture of the membranes.

MollySm

PPs already told you what it is/does.  I haven't tried it yet, but have an appointment tomorrow to try it.  My midwife didn't mention it until my last appointment before 40 weeks, and then she said to make an appointment for a few days after I turned 40 weeks to get it done, before we start talking induction.  

jennylove1084

I had it done w/ DS and it worked, it was fine.

I had it done by a different Dr. this time with DD and it hurt like a B!  Like eyes watering hurt.  I heard a rumor she was good at it and thank God that put me into labor because I probably would have opted not to have it done a second time.