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Natural Birth
Jessimurph
member
Multiple membrane sweeping?
Jessimurph
member
My doula is pretty against membrane stripping which I didn't realize until after I had it done last thursday. She thinks it's a medical induction and that he'll come when he's ready. I already am going through the 'I'm literally going to be pregnant forever' thoughts that seem to be common this close to the end. I'm afraid that he's going to wait until I'm 42 weeks and 14lbs before he decides he's ready and I won't be able to push him out. I just assumed I'd get the membrane stripping done again, but I don't know what the right thing to do here is. I saw a post here recently that someone wrote they thought their labor was stronger and unmanageable because of the membrane stripping they had done. Is that possible? I definitely don't want to do anything that would make my homebirth unmanageable.
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Re: Multiple membrane sweeping?
The right thing to do is what you decide to do. Doesn't matter what your doula is for or against unless she refuses to assist you if you do something she doesn't agree with. Which would be ridiculous I might add. This is your body, your baby, your birth experience. You've got to start now with offering yourself grace and allowing your instincts to guide you. Your doula's job is to be a positive encouraging voice and support.
Whether membrane stripping will make your labor more intense is something you just wont be able to prove one way or the other. And the PP who suspected that was the case has no way of knowing either. Is it possible? Probably. Is it a guarantee? Nope. Time to quiet your spirit, if you're a spiritual person pray for guidance. Then listen, really really listen to what your body and your baby is telling you. Then trust yourself and your loving intentions for your baby and yourself and move forward.
Whatever happens you must be grounded in your absolute love for your baby and the fact that the choices you make are only based on what you know at any given moment. We all do the best we can with what we're handed. And you've got an unknown here.
You will make the right choice when you honor yourself and your baby. Whatever that looks like to an outsider, however it plays out in the end. Only YOU know what's right for you. Hope that doesn't seem too vague. I really found myself in a super introspective place like this a day or two before DD arrived. And I did have a membrane sweep leading to labor within 12 hours. But I also chose an epi. If you're feeling really doubtful about the membrane stripping you can always take it one day at a time. Reevaluate every 24 hours. You know?
Babies don't just keep getting bigger and bigger. My friend delivered a baby less than 7 lb at 41.5 weeks.
Personally, being poked in the cervix didn't sound fun so I didn't do it. And I still had a baby! So I can vouch that even if you skip it, you will go into labour sooner or later.
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My OB did the stripping thing at 41 wks and it did nothing. If you think it might give you a change go for it!
I finally had the baby at 41+3 by c-section due to low fluid a failed induction etc etc. She only weighed 7lb 13oz.
Keegan Patrick - Bilateral Clubfeet found at Anatomy Scan.
www.facebook.com/portraitave
Keegan Patrick - Bilateral Clubfeet found at Anatomy Scan.
www.facebook.com/portraitave
I think what she meant is that your baby is not growing as fast as you think...and I am pretty sure it slows down at the end.
What is the rate you are thinking your baby is growing at? It is actually much lower than most people think.
Keegan Patrick - Bilateral Clubfeet found at Anatomy Scan.
www.facebook.com/portraitave
I am surprised at your doula. Your doula is not supposed to be for or against anything except to support your wishes and help you advocate for yourself, not push her agenda on you.
As for me, I had my membranes stripped in labor (without warning, but that is another story) and they did nothing at all beyond being extremely painful for the few seconds my MW was "stimulating things." I think it varies greatly and you should do what you feel is best for you and your baby.
I feel you, my DS's head measured at 99% at my last ultrasound at 37 weeks (they were pushing to induce me early for hypertension), the ultrasound tech actually had the nerve to look at me and say "and you're going to deliver vaginally?". I ended up being induced at 40 +1 day due to extremely low fluids, and I did it, that 14 inch head came out! You can to!