Stripping Membranes

Maimes10 · October 2013

Being one of the more "mature" (aka: wicked old!) FTM's on the N13 board, wondering if others have Dr's who are suggesting this?

At my last 2 appts both Dr's have mentioned that they many times induce moms at 40 or over at 37-38 weeks due to concerns about the efficiency of the placenta. I've been very clear that I refuse to consider an induction unless there is an issue effecting the health of my baby. The Dr today was very agreeable to that, however she did say that at next week's appointment we could try stripping my membranes and that there is evidence that it gets things moving. While I really don't want to go overdue, I'm also not feeling like anything should be done to "move things along" unless there is a reason. I've had a GREAT pregnancy, virtually no issues at all, zero morning sickness, little to no swelling, great BP, no leg cramps, getting plenty of sleep at night (don't hate). I just see no reason to start an eviction process if he isn't ready to come.

Opinions? Thoughts? GO! TIA.

fiddlefern · October 2013

I am getting mine done at 38 1/2 weeks. It helped me with DS but took two tries and I was in labor after the second stripping and active labor a few days later.

thelastunicornxo · October 2013

I had it done with my first two at 38 and 39 weeks and will probably with this one too.... I've never gone overdue but who knows if that actually did it or if the babies were just ready? I was willing to try and help then along though..... With that being said, it hurts like a b*!ch!

barista411 · October 2013

It will by no means throw you into labor like induction a full blown induction. I think of it as more of a slight push over the edge. With DD at my 39 week apt. I was a fully effaced and a very stretchy 3cm so my MW went ahead and stripped my membrane. That was on a Thursday and I was in labor by Monday. They typically say if it works it starts labor within 48 hrs but in my case it didn't so I don't know that I can say 100% that it worked for me but I do feel like it got things moving.

Ninjamama86 · October 2013

It's not 100% effective, but to my knowledge there isn't any risk to the babe. it just either works or doesn't work, and can be very uncomfortable for you. BUT, I think it's probably more
comfortable and more natural than a chemical induction. I have friends that swear it works, and I have another friend who recently had a babe and had hers stripped twice and it didn't seem to help.

JaysonandKristin · October 2013

Had it done twice. Had it not work twice. Not even going there this time around.

3Dewdrops · October 2013

I ain't letting anything in there til baby is on his way out!

lamo1210 · October 2013

I am getting it done this sat (38w6d) as long as my cervix is open. My sister had it done twice and it didn't help, it's taking a chance.

kabrissette · October 2013

So having your membranes stripped is really painful... got it. Uggg I am not looking forward to all the poking and prodding
:-S

Momtothreelove · October 2013

I'm just going to start stripping. I've got the body and the moves. Who would want to see this?! Just check out my latest maternity shoot;)
::cue glitter dust & clear heels::

RavenandJosh · October 2013

I went into labor on my own with my first but i've known many who did get their membranes stripped and like everybody else is saying, it either works or it doesn't. I've known people who went into labor not long after, within hours or even the next day and I've known people who it did absolutely nothing for. It's a gamble...

Edvoncupacake · October 2013

I have talked to my doc about membrane stripping and cervical massage. It's not a guaranteed starter. We're considering it because of my stenotic cervix and won't do it to get things started, but rather to help the cervix along as necessary. If you don't see a need to, then don't.

MsCrispy · October 2013

I talked to my doctor about this last time and my doctor will give it a try at my next appointment and going forward assuming I'm ready (not sure what that means).

Last time, my water broke around 38 weeks and labor did not start. I eventually had to go on pitocin, which also took its sweet time to work.

I really want to avoid pitocin and would like my body to start labor as naturally as possible, so I'm giving the membrane stripping a try this time. Obviously it isn't really natural, but it is a lot better than pitocin, so I'm game.

I'll see on Thursday how painful it is.

amom333 · October 2013

As long as mom and baby are okay, there's no need to do anything you don't want to do. Maybe if you want to get things moving earlier, you could try more natural methods but baby likely won't come until he/she is ready.

karenh773 · October 2013

If you're not comfortable with it, I'd decline.

I've had it done for several kids. Most it didn't do anything, but with my 2nd I was already 5cm (not in labor) and the dr decided to strip my membranes to move things along and ended up breaking my water--I'm not sure that wasn't intentional though. It was the most painful stripping of membranes--I seriously thought his hand was going to come out my throat and I wanted to climb out of my skin and off the table.

Any time I've had it done in subsequent pregnancies has been more of a "gentle sweep"--not a massive attempt at a stripping.

mmm50 · October 2013

My MW said she would do it at 39 weeks if I want it. I'm not sure if I would do it then, but will definitely consider it at 40 or 41 weeks if I make it that far because anything that can help avoid a pitocin induction is worth it to me after my due date.

I think whether I do it will depend on whether I decide to have a cervical check that week or not. My MW doesn't do regular checks except at your GBS appt (35 weeks for me) and 40 weeks or after. But she will always do one if you ask-- so if I'm crampy, etc. I might have her check at my 39 week appt and I figure while she's in there..... it can't hurt.

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