XP: VBAC Induction/Stripping Membranes Question

JenMatt2010 · September 2013

I had an appt with my OB today, and our original plan was for me to go to 41 weeks before a scheduled C-section (I am trying for a VBAC). If I didn't go into labor before then, he would check me at 41 weeks and if I was ready to be induced, he is willing to induce. However, his wife is due with their first baby a few days after me, so he will not be on the schedule the week I'm 41 weeks.

He scheduled my repeat C-section for 40 weeks 5 days, because the doctor on that day IS VBAC-induction friendly, where the next 2 days (leading up to 41 weeks) the doctors would not be likely to induce me.

I'm really hoping I go into labor before that on my own, BUT my OB offered to strip my membranes (look away @ HFrizzle, I think you're the one who hates this talk), at my 38 weeks 5 day appt, and then again at my appt at 40 weeks 1 day.

WWYD? Would you let them try to strip them that early? I don't want to jump the gun if baby isn't ready to come out (and I don't even think it would work if baby wasn't ready), but I also don't want to wait too long and miss any chances at "natural" induction that I have, because I also know that a vaginal birth is a better option for baby than a C/S.

Kello427 · September 2013

With baby 1 my membranes were stripped at 40 weeks wo dilation or effaced. It did nothing, my water broke at 41w2d did not have any signs of labor at 24 hours do I went in and was put on pitocin for 12 hours with no notable contractions, dilation or efface ment. Ended up with a csection. I think my situation is rare but I would never have my membranes stripped again bc I think that is what caused my water to break too early

acsago · September 2013

I had mine stripped with the first pregnancy at 40 weeks and went into labor the next day, although I ended up with a C-section, I don't think that had anything to do with it. The second time around, the Dr stripped my membranes from 38 weeks on, I was already dilated and effaced, and I didn't go into labor until 41 weeks, but went on to a successful VBAC, and they had to break my water at the hospital. I don't really think it does anything if you're not ready, and I think it's fine to try it out at 38w 5d. This is my totally non-expert opinion, although like most of the women on this board, I devour all the research I can about VBAC's, natural birth, etc

JenMatt2010 · September 2013

Thanks for the opinions!

JenMatt2010 · September 2013

acsago said:

I had mine stripped with the first pregnancy at 40 weeks and went into labor the next day, although I ended up with a C-section, I don't think that had anything to do with it. The second time around, the Dr stripped my membranes from 38 weeks on, I was already dilated and effaced, and I didn't go into labor until 41 weeks, but went on to a successful VBAC, and they had to break my water at the hospital. I don't really think it does anything if you're not ready, and I think it's fine to try it out at 38w 5d. This is my totally non-expert opinion, although like most of the women on this board, I devour all the research I can about VBAC's, natural birth, etc

For your successful VBAC, did they do any induction methods other than breaking your water?

myschlove · October 2013

I had mine stripped at 39 weeks and it did nothing! I ended up with a csection because he was measuring big! So I'd do it if she's offering! It can't hurt and it may not work if baby isn't ready!

candlequeen · October 2013

Had membranes stripped at 38 weeks on a Thursday, lost mucus plug on the following Monday, went into labor on Thursday at ecactly 39 weeks. Go for it!