membranes stripped, lost MP... now we wait :)

silverflowers · February 2012

Hey ladies!

Second time mom here, going for a VBAC! Yesterday midwife checked me at 2cm and 50% effaced. She said she could sweep my membranes if I was ok with that. I said yes. This was my first experience with the membrane sweep because I had a low-lying placenta with DD, so this is new to me. It wasn't very painful... just about as uncomfortable as any internal exam has been. She explained everything she was doing which helped me understand the process.

This morning I woke up and lost pieces of my mucous plug. I continue to find more pieces throughout the day, some tinged with blood which I was told to expect. I've also had increased bowel movements (sorry if TMI), like 3-4 times a day.

No real contractions yet... just the same braxton hicks i've been getting for the past few weeks. I'm due next Thursday, but I feel like baby might come this weekend. Just a feeling.

For those second (+) time moms, what has your experience been with sweeping/stripping of membranes? Just curious to hear some stories.

joshandpanda · February 2012

Im pg with my first, so no stories from me, just wanted to say GL till LO gets here!

LibV · February 2012

With my second baby they stripped memranes at 38 weeks. The next day I had braxton hicks all morning.. Went for a walk and started getting contractions, then lost my mucous plug, and had a a major dump! Had him 4 hours later! Try going for a walk, I swear it works!

RichInLove · February 2012

I had my membranes stripped with DS#1 at my 39 week appointment around 10 am and I went in to labor about 6 pm that night (even though he didn't actually arrive until 32 hours later!). GL!!!

Melanie.Brown · February 2012

Had my membranes stripped with my 1st at 40 weeks. I was 1cm and 80% effaced. No contractions and I didn't notice a mucus plug, but my water broke 2 days later. Labor kicked in about 5 hours after water broke.

Asquared · February 2012

I believe it was 3 days after the stripping for me... actually I am not even sure if the doc officially stripped me because she checked me at my appt and was like "whoa, you're 4 cms- stay close to home and don't get on the freeway at busy times!" But I walked around at 4 or more for 3-4 days, then real labor started and by the time I got to the hospital (less than 2 hours from waking up w/ contractions to birth), she was out in 15 minutes.

tiffapotomus · February 2012

How exciting! Good luck.

Lina1030 · February 2012

W/DS (my 2nd) I went into labor the same day my membranes with stripped (at 40 weeks I was 3-4 cm and that morning 9 am or so I was a good 4 cm) My son was born at 8:53 p.m. a quick 1 hour labor only 20 min after arriving to the hospital! I did have same braxton hicks that day but then they felt a little more intense and were not consistent....a couple took my breath away for a second, then they started getting a little closer (my labors go fast....by the time it feels like the real deal its time to have a baby!), also had a couple bowel movements that day....most of my friends went into labor same day or within a day or two...I say you will go this weekend too. I was 5 days late and did not want to be induced which was scheduled for 2 days later. The stripping feeling was the same as you...not bad, just like a deeper internal exam. Good luck!

CKinn · February 2012

Good luck!

It's nice to hear some positive membrane sweeping stories! We're trying it next week with my OB so your stories are encouraging!

gwennec · February 2012

Got mine sweeped with baby #1. I was almost 1 week late and already 1 cm. Went in on a Monday, got cramps for most of the day. Lost parts of my mucus plug all day Tuesday, had diarrhea later in the day and went into labor around 12am Tues night, delivered on Wed at 10pm. When she did my membrane sweep, she also opened me up to 3 cm. Didn't really hurt.

I would say you may go into labor tonight, you are very close!

Good luck!

lindsayandjamie · February 2012

Not to be the bearer of bad news but I wanted to give my experience. I had mine stripped last week a 38.5w, 2-3cm and 50%, and lost parts of my mucous plug for 2 days and I did not go into labour. Had it done again yesterday and I was 4cm and even thinner, and lost more MP today and still waiting. I also had been on bedrest from 33 to 37 weeks due to PTL so there is no guarantee labour will result from the stripping even with all signs pointing to yes. GL though!

libindiby · February 2012

i also haven't had success with membrane sweeps. with all 3 of my previous, they didn't work & i was overdue by atleast a week. i must not be part of the 60% - 70% a pp mentioned that it works for

lol. they will be doing one for me next week (yep, ever hopeful! lol) so we will see how that goes!

jkjohnsonwedding · February 2012

I had mine stripped on Monday at exactly 37 weeks. I was 4-5cm dilated and 50% effaced, getting induced at 39 weeks with a baby measuring weeks ahead. I swear my EDD has been wrong since the beginning. Anyways, clearly no baby for me. I did experience cramping, bleeding, increased bowel movements, etc. I'm having mine swept again on Monday at 38 weeks to give it one last shot before induction. It wasn't any less or more painful than your normal internal exam so I don't mind that it didn't work. Hopefully it works for you!!

miraclaire · February 2014

With my first baby I had my membranes stripped at 39 weeks. The first time nothing much happened. About 4 days later they stripped them again, I had some more contractions and cramps but still no labor. 3 days after that I had them stripped a third time. It took a few days but I finally lost my MP and a few days after that I went into labor at 41 weeks.

So for me, it wasn't as effective, though it probably moved along some effacement and dilation.

I'm about to have baby #2 and I'm currently at 38 weeks. I'm going to have my membranes stripped tomorrow, so we'll see how effective it is, the second time around. Best of luck to you!!!

AshleyO925 · February 2014

This thread was from 2012, so if she didn't have her baby yet she will be in the guiness book for longest pregnancy EVAR!

ncbelle · February 2014

I had mine stripped with my second at 41 weeks 3 days and went into labor a few hours later. It can trigger labor if your body is ready - but only if you are "on the edge."

Good luck with the VBAC!!

Rrrrrachel · February 2014

I've heard that if it "works" it's typically within 24 hours.

PrimRoseMama · February 2014

Had my membranes stripped on August 2nd at 41 weeks. DS arrived the next day.

Momof8inSC · February 2014

With baby #5, VBAC, had stripped at 5pm and went I to labor at 8pm that night. It worked for me!

Momof8inSC · February 2014

Oh and I was 38 wks (large baby and he ended up w shoulder dystocia and broke his clavicle and my pelvis on the way out which is why they stripped at 38) and 4-5cm dilated.

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membranes stripped, lost MP... now we wait :)

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