Stripping membranes at 37 weeks?

emmasue18 · January 2014

I am hoping for a VBAC but with my last delivery being a placental abruption and almost ending with the loss of our son, I won't be allowed to go past 39 weeks before they take him via c-section. My OB mentioned starting sweeps as early as my appointment today. I am only 37.5 weeks and the thought of that makes me uneasy but I would love to have him vaginally if I can. What are your thoughts on this? Would you go ahead with natural ways of induction even if it is a little early or just wait and take him by c-section at 39? Just curious, any comments will help. TIA!

Unknown · January 2014

This content has been removed.

Missy0483 · January 2014

Are you and your doctor ok with the thought of him coming early at 37.5 weeks?? It could kickstart labor right away, it's hard to tell. I'm not sure I'd be ok with it unless it was medically necessary for him to be delivered early.

boogerbearoriginal · January 2014

My understanding of membrane sweep is it's like most "natural" induction techniques, and will work if your body is ready to give birth but not do a thing if it's not ready. My bigger concern would be, a - can they even do it because unless you're a little bit dilated they won't be able to anyway, and b - if they do, you are risking AROM which can lead to it's own issues.

I'm not sure that an earlier vaginal birth is necessarily preferable to a later csection birth. I think there's a lot of factors that go into that decision, so I'd have a long talk with your Dr about both doing and waiting and the pros/cons of both. Good luck, sounds like there's a lot to consider.

boogerbearoriginal · January 2014

Madisonpenny said:

At 37.5 weeks you are technically considered full term. I think i would go for it if I was really wanting a VBAC. Good luck.

Not anymore - new ACOG guidelines don't consider a baby full term until 39wks.

ShePersisted · January 2014

I want to be snarky but because this seems like a serious situation I am going to attempt with a very honest answer.

Discuss your concerns with your dr and Take your drs advice!! Yes ideally we would all want our LOs to bake longer but if your dr thinks the swipes will help with natural labor albeit a little early maybe that's the route. There is no way we would be able to tell you what's the best decision. Yes it's good to sometimes question the dr but you should let the dr or a medical professional you go to for a second opinion explain the risks and logic of why they would do something vs not.

Honestly if a bunch of women told you it's not a good idea would you risk not going through that and let them do a c- sec? Or if a bunch of us told you that it's better to wait and get a c-sec would you argue with your dr? I only say this because you have a history of complications so managing that risk in the best way would be something you want to chat with your dr and arrive at the best option. Unfortunately even for drs there is no way to predict what is the best, they go by their experience and medical expertise which as a patient you need to partner with them to identify what's best for you.

Soap1 · January 2014

Sweeping your membranes isn't going to send you into labor if your body and baby aren't ready. I say go for it.

emmasue18 · January 2014

Hg45 said:
I want to be snarky but because this seems like a serious situation I am going to attempt with a very honest answer.

Discuss your concerns with your dr and Take your drs advice!! Yes ideally we would all want our LOs to bake longer but if your dr thinks the swipes will help with natural labor albeit a little early maybe that's the route. There is no way we would be able to tell you what's the best decision. Yes it's good to sometimes question the dr but you should let the dr or a medical professional you go to for a second opinion explain the risks and logic of why they would do something vs not.

Honestly if a bunch of women told you it's not a good idea would you risk not going through that and let them do a c- sec? Or if a bunch of us told you that it's better to wait and get a c-sec would you argue with your dr? I only say this because you have a history of complications so managing that risk in the best way would be something you want to chat with your dr and arrive at the best option. Unfortunately even for drs there is no way to predict what is the best, they go by their experience and medical expertise which as a patient you need to partner with them to identify what's best for you.

My OB believes a VBAC is the safer route to go, I trust him but sweeps still make me nervous because as one PP said, he could come right away. I only ask because each woman on here brings up different points that I can ultimately use to weigh my decision either way. Obviously, I am not going to let strangers on the internet decide the course best for me and my babe but it is nice to pick the brains of other women that are also pregnant and see what they think. This delivery has brought on more anxiety than I ever imagined. I just know that I have to live with the guilt if ever something happened to LO based on a decision I made. I really appreciate all your responses as when I talk to H about this his response is just, "Whatever you want hun." I talk to my mother and she cries so...it is unproductive to talk to people in my real life. Lol!

boogerbearoriginal · January 2014

emmasue18 said:

I want to be snarky but because this seems like a serious situation I am going to attempt with a very honest answer. Discuss your concerns with your dr and Take your drs advice!! Yes ideally we would all want our LOs to bake longer but if your dr thinks the swipes will help with natural labor albeit a little early maybe that's the route. There is no way we would be able to tell you what's the best decision. Yes it's good to sometimes question the dr but you should let the dr or a medical professional you go to for a second opinion explain the risks and logic of why they would do something vs not. Honestly if a bunch of women told you it's not a good idea would you risk not going through that and let them do a c- sec? Or if a bunch of us told you that it's better to wait and get a c-sec would you argue with your dr? I only say this because you have a history of complications so managing that risk in the best way would be something you want to chat with your dr and arrive at the best option. Unfortunately even for drs there is no way to predict what is the best, they go by their experience and medical expertise which as a patient you need to partner with them to identify what's best for you.
My OB believes a VBAC is the safer route to go, I trust him but sweeps still make me nervous because as one PP said, he could come right away. I only ask because each woman on here brings up different points that I can ultimately use to weigh my decision either way. Obviously, I am not going to let strangers on the internet decide the course best for me and my babe but it is nice to pick the brains of other women that are also pregnant and see what they think. This delivery has brought on more anxiety than I ever imagined. I just know that I have to live with the guilt if ever something happened to LO based on a decision I made. I really appreciate all your responses as when I talk to H about this his response is just, "Whatever you want hun." I talk to my mother and she cries so...it is unproductive to talk to people in my real life. Lol!

Out of curiosity, if your DR feels VBAC is the preferred route, why is he also scheduling a csect at 39wks?

Unknown · January 2014

This content has been removed.

ShePersisted · January 2014

emmasue18 said:

Hg45 said:
I want to be snarky but because this seems like a serious situation I am going to attempt with a very honest answer.

Discuss your concerns with your dr and Take your drs advice!! Yes ideally we would all want our LOs to bake longer but if your dr thinks the swipes will help with natural labor albeit a little early maybe that's the route. There is no way we would be able to tell you what's the best decision. Yes it's good to sometimes question the dr but you should let the dr or a medical professional you go to for a second opinion explain the risks and logic of why they would do something vs not.

Honestly if a bunch of women told you it's not a good idea would you risk not going through that and let them do a c- sec? Or if a bunch of us told you that it's better to wait and get a c-sec would you argue with your dr? I only say this because you have a history of complications so managing that risk in the best way would be something you want to chat with your dr and arrive at the best option. Unfortunately even for drs there is no way to predict what is the best, they go by their experience and medical expertise which as a patient you need to partner with them to identify what's best for you.
My OB believes a VBAC is the safer route to go, I trust him but sweeps still make me nervous because as one PP said, he could come right away. I only ask because each woman on here brings up different points that I can ultimately use to weigh my decision either way. Obviously, I am not going to let strangers on the internet decide the course best for me and my babe but it is nice to pick the brains of other women that are also pregnant and see what they think. This delivery has brought on more anxiety than I ever imagined. I just know that I have to live with the guilt if ever something happened to LO based on a decision I made. I really appreciate all your responses as when I talk to H about this his response is just, "Whatever you want hun." I talk to my mother and she cries so...it is unproductive to talk to people in my real life. Lol!

I understand what your saying and yes we do get opinions here and I don't think I am saying don't ask the question. But what I am trying to tell you is that your situation has a medical history and not like your asking a general question on if taking a swab at 37 weeks is normal. If you have a past issue which put your LO in danger you need to not weigh in on general opinions as much as what people might say may still not help you at this point. Your dr seems to be doing his/her best to help you have a vaginal birth and even with the swabs you may end up having a c-sec for various reasons. I think the key is concentrating on LO and you being healthy in the process and only your dr will be able to judge that as he checks you regularly.

emmasue18 · January 2014

.

My OB the course best for me and my babe but it is nice to pick the brains

Out of curiosity, if your DR feels VBAC is the preferred route, why is he also scheduling a csect at 39wks?

He won't use Pitocin to induce based on my history and we did a growth ultrasound to see how big baby and fluid levels were and based on that, 39 weeks was my personal cut off for VBAC.

karich · January 2014

The other mom who was questioning having membrane sweeps was 36 weeks and had no past complications that would indicate inducing labor early. The general consensus on that situation was to not allow a membrane sweep at that point.
This is different.

I think if I were in your situation, I would let them sweep my membranes.
Especially if you really want an honest try at a vaginal birth, and you are obviously on a clock.

VBACs do carry lower risks than elective RCS, so that's why your OB feels the VBAC is a safer option.

Would it make you feel more comfortable to have them sweep at 38 weeks? I know it's only a few days difference....but it sounds like you don't have a lot of time to decide what to do.

boogerbearoriginal · January 2014

emmasue18 said:

.

My OB the course best for me and my babe but it is nice to pick the brains Out of curiosity, if your DR feels VBAC is the preferred route, why is he also scheduling a csect at 39wks?

He won't use Pitocin to induce based on my history and we did a growth ultrasound to see how big baby and fluid levels were and based on that, 39 weeks was my personal cut off for VBAC.

I figured there was a reason, just being nosey lol. I think talking it all out with the DR is really the best option before deciding anything. Ultimately, like PP mentioned, even if you go into labor (whether induced by sweep/etc or spontaneously) it doesn't mean you won't end up with a Csect anyway. No matter how LO arrives, I hope his delivery is uneventful for everyone.

slwprincess · January 2014

Based on your history, I can see why your doc is considering this and personally, I would go for it. Like the others said, it's not going to start labor unless your body is ready anyway and if you really only have a week and a half to get things going before your RCS, I would take my chances with the sweep.

Oh and I know people keep saying that 37 weeks isn't full term but I specifically questioned my doc on this last week and she said that she definitely considers it to be full term if the baby comes on its own (meaning, she wouldn't try to stop labor) but she would never schedule a c/s for that early either unless there was some other medical reason for doing so.

jpoindahouse · January 2014

If you are worried about making the right decision then maybe you need to get the second opinion of a different Obgyn. While some of the women on this board may have medical training, itis probably better to get a second opinion from an Obgyn to help guide you in making this decision

ShePersisted · January 2014

Bookshelves said:

TyrannosaurusLex said:

Hg45 said:

I want to be snarky but because this seems like a serious situation I am going to attempt with a very honest answer.

Why be snarky to someone with a situation you recognize is serious?
It's one thing to ask "should I see my doctor about this" and another to ask for experience and advice.

Yeah, that seemed over-the-top.

Well cause my first reaction was that since she already has has a medical complication in the past why would she rely on an internet board for advice when her dr. has advised her on a route based on her history. There is no way I or anyone can tell if scraping her membrane is the right option and if he baby is healthy at 37 weeks or of 39 weeks is right time. He is giving something a try and if she has a concern she should be talking to him and not an internet board. My response was pretty clear is asking her if people give her opinions will she go against her dr and do otherwise? If this was a regular question on membrane scraping that was different but not when there is a background to why she is scheduled for a possible c-sec before 39 weeks. I dont feel qualified and if she were someone very close to me I would advice her the same way that is to weight these options and risks with a medical professional.

And this is why the question in my opinion deserves snark as I want to draw this point to her strongly. If you don't agree you are free to respond any which way you want. If the OP does not like my approach that's fine- We all have different ways of providing support.

sdlaura · January 2014

I think it wouldn't be unreasonable this early in your situation.

I'll also put in a plug for acupuncture as a natural induction method - it worked for me last time.

WaitWhoHadABaby · January 2014

Hg45 said:

Bookshelves said:

TyrannosaurusLex said:

Hg45 said:

I want to be snarky but because this seems like a serious situation I am going to attempt with a very honest answer.

Why be snarky to someone with a situation you recognize is serious?
It's one thing to ask "should I see my doctor about this" and another to ask for experience and advice.

Yeah, that seemed over-the-top.

Well cause my first reaction was that since she already has has a medical complication in the past why would she rely on an internet board for advice when her dr. has advised her on a route based on her history. There is no way I or anyone can tell if scraping her membrane is the right option and if he baby is healthy at 37 weeks or of 39 weeks is right time. He is giving something a try and if she has a concern she should be talking to him and not an internet board. My response was pretty clear is asking her if people give her opinions will she go against her dr and do otherwise? If this was a regular question on membrane scraping that was different but not when there is a background to why she is scheduled for a possible c-sec before 39 weeks. I dont feel qualified and if she were someone very close to me I would advice her the same way that is to weight these options and risks with a medical professional.

And this is why the question in my opinion deserves snark as I want to draw this point to her strongly. If you don't agree you are free to respond any which way you want. If the OP does not like my approach that's fine- We all have different ways of providing support.

ShePersisted · January 2014

TyrannosaurusLex said:

Hg45 said:

Bookshelves said:

TyrannosaurusLex said:

Hg45 said:

I want to be snarky but because this seems like a serious situation I am going to attempt with a very honest answer.

Why be snarky to someone with a situation you recognize is serious?
It's one thing to ask "should I see my doctor about this" and another to ask for experience and advice.

Yeah, that seemed over-the-top.

Well cause my first reaction was that since she already has has a medical complication in the past why would she rely on an internet board for advice when her dr. has advised her on a route based on her history. There is no way I or anyone can tell if scraping her membrane is the right option and if he baby is healthy at 37 weeks or of 39 weeks is right time. He is giving something a try and if she has a concern she should be talking to him and not an internet board. My response was pretty clear is asking her if people give her opinions will she go against her dr and do otherwise? If this was a regular question on membrane scraping that was different but not when there is a background to why she is scheduled for a possible c-sec before 39 weeks. I dont feel qualified and if she were someone very close to me I would advice her the same way that is to weight these options and risks with a medical professional.

And this is why the question in my opinion deserves snark as I want to draw this point to her strongly. If you don't agree you are free to respond any which way you want. If the OP does not like my approach that's fine- We all have different ways of providing support.

I didn't get the impression she was asking for our medical advice, I think she was asking to bounce the options she's been presented with around and ask if we had any insight to offer. Would she change her mind based on the pros and cons we toss out there? Maybe, but obviously she'd have to talk to her doctor about how she came to that conclusion and why first.

If I'd come so close to loosing my baby and having my own life in danger (placental abruption is SO serious) I'd be really scared about my next birth too. I'd want to know if anyone had been through a similar experience. There's a time to be snarky and a time to be sensitive. I often agree with the gist of your thoughts but equally as often seem to find them presented harshly when I can't find a reason for that reaction. Know your audience - a scared mom who's had a loss/come close to loosing her baby at delivery? Not someone who needs your snark when she's imagining how her next delivery will go.

This isn't the kind of post that clogs up our board, or that has been answered a million times.

Well like I said that's what my reaction was and it was with the intent to help her. You may not agree with the way I wrote it just as I may not agree how you respond to things at times. I am not trying to stop anyone to respond her in anyway so I think you should respect this is how I felt about it. I'm not justifying anything- all I am saying I reacted differently than others perhaps a little more direct to your liking. I get you thinking am harsh, maybe but I don't look at it that way. I am just trying to tell her that considering her history she is best discussing her case with her dr and not taking any opinions.

notreal2 · January 2014

I am not familiar with this specific form of induction, but the medicine induced ones can take some time, so I assume your OB wants to start now, so that if it takes time to induce labor, you can still be before the 39 weeks window.

I have to be c-sectioned at 38 weeks for medical reasons, and would personally, if i had to choose to give birth earlier, prefer to give birth vaginally because of the whole lung compression that occurs which aides slightly early infant's lungs development.

Good luck either way, since, I am sure you have already had your appointment.

ShePersisted · January 2014

TyrannosaurusLex said:

Hg45 said:

TyrannosaurusLex said:

Hg45 said:

Bookshelves said:

TyrannosaurusLex said:

Hg45 said:

I want to be snarky but because this seems like a serious situation I am going to attempt with a very honest answer.

Why be snarky to someone with a situation you recognize is serious?
It's one thing to ask "should I see my doctor about this" and another to ask for experience and advice.

Yeah, that seemed over-the-top.

Well cause my first reaction was that since she already has has a medical complication in the past why would she rely on an internet board for advice when her dr. has advised her on a route based on her history. There is no way I or anyone can tell if scraping her membrane is the right option and if he baby is healthy at 37 weeks or of 39 weeks is right time. He is giving something a try and if she has a concern she should be talking to him and not an internet board. My response was pretty clear is asking her if people give her opinions will she go against her dr and do otherwise? If this was a regular question on membrane scraping that was different but not when there is a background to why she is scheduled for a possible c-sec before 39 weeks. I dont feel qualified and if she were someone very close to me I would advice her the same way that is to weight these options and risks with a medical professional.

And this is why the question in my opinion deserves snark as I want to draw this point to her strongly. If you don't agree you are free to respond any which way you want. If the OP does not like my approach that's fine- We all have different ways of providing support.

I didn't get the impression she was asking for our medical advice, I think she was asking to bounce the options she's been presented with around and ask if we had any insight to offer. Would she change her mind based on the pros and cons we toss out there? Maybe, but obviously she'd have to talk to her doctor about how she came to that conclusion and why first.

If I'd come so close to loosing my baby and having my own life in danger (placental abruption is SO serious) I'd be really scared about my next birth too. I'd want to know if anyone had been through a similar experience. There's a time to be snarky and a time to be sensitive. I often agree with the gist of your thoughts but equally as often seem to find them presented harshly when I can't find a reason for that reaction. Know your audience - a scared mom who's had a loss/come close to loosing her baby at delivery? Not someone who needs your snark when she's imagining how her next delivery will go.

This isn't the kind of post that clogs up our board, or that has been answered a million times.

Gee thanks mom! Well like I said that's what my reaction was and it was with the intent to help her. You may not agree with the way I wrote it just as I may not agree how you respond to things at times. I am not trying to stop anyone to respond her in anyway so I think you should respect this is how I felt about it. I'm not justifying anything- all I am saying I reacted differently than others perhaps a little more direct to your liking. I get you thinking am harsh, maybe but I don't look at it that way. I just look at it as more direct.

I don't have to respect you being overly critical and bitchy towards a mom worried about losing her baby. Nope. I don't.

Hiding behind the guise of being a "blunt" or "direct" or "honest" person isn't something I'm buying - that's an excuse for stomping on someone when they're feeling small.

You can be forthright without tearing someone vulnerable down. Sometimes it's better to say "I apologize if my response lacked empathy...I do see where you're fears are coming from." I bet you'd feel a lot better, it sounds like you're just defensive now.

I was editing my response as you typed. But yes I am responding in my defense as even after reading your thoughts I don't feel otherwise. I wanted to tell the OP something very directly and I did. Maybe I lacked empathy and many other people may think I may have even been obnoxious but that is what my reaction was and it remains the same. My focus was on her ensuring she discusses what's best for her with her dr. I get that you don't agree but I don't have to change my stance just cause you don't. That was my reaction and this is yours. If you don't respect it that's fine you don't have to.

JordyInIndy · January 2014

@tyrannosaurusLex I'd give it up. She obviously doesn't want to take responsibility for her actions and her shitty response.

Not that I'm surprised.

ShePersisted · January 2014

@TyrannosaurusLex I am saying I did not feel this way when I read her post and I felt the need to be direct. I just felt she needed to discuss with her dr as her case was unique. A lot of posts are out if worry but still one can be direct. It was my choice to respond to it the way I thought would be effective. And when the OP further clarified I explained to her why I felt the way I did. Again I get that you don't agree with my approach but that's you- I am going to react to it the way I want and think is the best way to support someone. I appreciate if you stop telling me how I should feel about something. I understand voicing you personal opinion to the OP directly and not agreeing to the way I did but please don't tell me how I should react.

OutOfStep81 · January 2014

Madisonpenny said:

Booger+Bear said:

Madisonpenny said:

At 37.5 weeks you are technically considered full term. I think i would go for it if I was really wanting a VBAC. Good luck.

Not anymore - new ACOG guidelines don't consider a baby full term until 39wks.

I'm Canadian so I think we must still have different guidelines. My doctor still considers 37weeks full term.

They changed the ACOG guideline because so many people were electively inducing at 37 wks. People with no complications, etc.

In the OPs case I definitely think 37 wks is ok to strip her membranes. Especially since her doc is pro vbac and recommending it.

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