Stripping/sweeping membranes?

southernyankeegirl · December 2014

My doctors keep offering to sweep my membranes, and I keep declining. I apparently have a "very soft" cervix that is >2cm dilated and 50% effaced at 37w, and this week was the second time they told me they'd do the procedure if I wanted.

I know very little about it except that my instinct is to let things go at their own speed. I might consider it on my due date if I haven't delivered yet as a mild intervention.

Anyone have any insight, experience, or research to share on the topic?

yee.sarah@gmail.com · December 2014

I had it done twice, but that's cuz I was 10 days late. Not painful, quick but uncomfortable. Went into labor the night after the 2nd membrane sweep.

4littlebears · December 2014

It did hurt me the couple times I let them do it. But it never made me go into labor like they said it might. I'll probably let my OB do it at 38 weeks if she offers just because I'd rather go into labor on my own than possibly face another induction at 39 weeks

SpaceGirlSpiff · December 2014

I had it done with my first, but not until my due date. It's supposed to trigger labor if it "works"... I personally wouldn't do it at only 37 weeks. If you make it to due date or AT LEAST after 39 weeks, maybe consider it at that point if you want.

It can potentially hurt like hell..just a heads up. At the very least, pretty uncomfortable...but should be quick at least

In my case, I went into labor 2 days after my due date when I had it done...not sure if it was because of that or because I would have anyway

Stephij1 · December 2014

I had it done with my first and I went into labor the next day (on her due date). It didn't hurt at all for me. A little bit uncomfortable, but definitely not painful.

Beauxbaton · December 2014

I had it done with my.first pregnancy. Hurt like a mother fucker. But even pelvic exams, paps, and cervical checks hurt like hell for me. Like dig your nails into the table you're laying.on hurt. But I suspect I've got something weird going on. Either way it did nothing. They did the sweep at 38 weeks, I delivered at 40w 4d

nursemarie925 · December 2014

Had it done with my second, on my due date. It hurt like a b****. But I went into labor the next day. I've heard it only works if you're ready. Idk if I would have it done again. Depends on how desperate I felt.

thompnia · December 2014

I had it done at my 37 week appointment last Monday. It was uncomfortable, but not terrible.

My water broke spontaneously that Friday, starting labor. She had a few decels in labor and even though I only pushed 30 minutes, was threatened with the vacuum because her heart rate was dropped. The docs said my placenta didn't look great, and that it was a good thing I went into labor. Perfectly healthy baby girl born at 37w5d gestation.

[Deleted User] · December 2014

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Milagros315 · December 2014

I wouldn't do it at 37 weeks. If your body is progressing well on it's own, why do they want to mess with it? As long as you don't have any health issues, it seems best to let the baby hang out in there until he's ready.

BackseatDriver · December 2014

I will ask to have it done when I'm 40 weeks since they will induce at 41 weeks.

southernyankeegirl · December 2014

Yeah, like I said... I'm not quite sure why they keep offering it now. I haven't gotten into the conversation to see if they're offering it down the road or would do it on the spot - I just keep saying no. I won't even consider it until my due date, if I make it that far. I just didn't know anything about it!

babyzap20 · December 2014

My cousin did the membrane sweep along with walking A LOT. It didn't seem to work with her though, but like PP's have mentioned, everyone is different.

texasmama786 · December 2014

Had it done at 39 weeks with my first, it didn't hurt and I lost my entire mucus plug the next day. It sent me into labor on the third day.

lavet22 · December 2014

I've had it done with all 3 of my previous pregnancies. It never worked for me and it hurt like a son of a gun. I'm gonna pass this go round.

jjcruiks · December 2014

I had it just this morning actually. (I'm 38+4) I had it done with my last baby too but it didn't work at all. Hoping it works this time.

elleswarth · December 2014

Just had mine done, and it hurt. And the doctor said he only did a "moderate" job. Didn't work with my first, hoping it will work AFTER Christmas, before Monday.

longcat07 · December 2014

dumb question, probably, especially from a STM, but what exactly IS stripping or sweeping membranes? manually removing your mucous plug?

tanya_erin · December 2014

longcat07 said:
dumb question, probably, especially from a STM, but what exactly IS stripping or sweeping membranes? manually removing your mucous plug?

Dr or m/w basically sticks two fingers in and separates the amniotic sac from the cervix... this makes the body produce prostaglandins and can kick start labor. Sometimes.

longcat07 · December 2014

tanya_erin said:

dumb question, probably, especially from a STM, but what exactly IS stripping or sweeping membranes? manually removing your mucous plug?
Dr or m/w basically sticks two fingers in and separates the amniotic sac from the cervix... this makes the body produce prostaglandins and can kick start labor. Sometimes.

thank you! google was failing me. that sounds...unpleasant.

LadyXaverian · December 2014

Since not going into labor on my own probably means a RCS for me, I will ask for my OB to do this at my last appointment before my scheduled date, which will be during week 39.

ETA: But I wouldn't do it early "just because".

Mrs_Bennett · December 2014

I will probably ask my doctor to do it if I make it to my next appointment (40w2d), but not before. I haven't even had any cervical checks yet, so who knows what's going on down there now...

nursemarie925 · December 2014

LadyXaverian said:
Since not going into labor on my own probably means a RCS for me, I will ask for my OB to do this at my last appointment before my scheduled date, which will be during week 39.

ETA: But I wouldn't do it early "just because".

This will probably be what I do as well. Rcs scheduled for 39+2. Last appt is at 38+6. May ask her to do it as a last ditch effort.

barbikins · December 2014

I had it done this past Monday at 38+3. Lost my plug yesterday. Witnessed that I slightly bloody show. Day 3 this AM and nothing yet. The sweep itself did not hurt me. Felt like not much at all. I had very strong cramps for about 5-6 hours and tapered off over the day. I've had a lot of blood tinged EWCM that night & continue to have globs of brown mucus. I feel a bit more "sore" but not feeling like labor is about to start by any means. I wished it would have turned into labor Monday. Oh well...
I'm also 3 CM & 75% effaced

snowbaby1214 · December 2014

Had it done right before my EDD w/ #1 and still made it to 42 weeks. Not worth it, IMO.

luckylady18 · December 2014

I haven't even discussed this with my doctor and she hasn't brought it up. I suppose if I'm approaching my due date I'll ask her about it. I didn't even know what it meant but it does sound unpleasant so I think I'd prefer not to have it done.

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