This may seem odd that I don't know this...but what is getting your membranes stripped and why is it done??
I'm 27 weeks so I know whatever it is will be done WAY in the future for me...but I have no clue what it is!
2007-03-01 02:26:37 · 4 answers · asked by LittleRoo 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
This is not something that is done to every mom. And it is not something you have to consent to.
Sometimes, when mom is getting close to the end of her pregnancy, doctors just can't keep their hands to themselves and do nothing. They get impatient and want to mess with things to try to get labor started.
Stripping the membranes is like a very rough vaginal exam. They use their finger to sweep away the membrane that holds the bag of waters to the cervix. Sometimes this can irritate the cervix and bring on labor. Having sex afterwards is supposed to up you chances of it working.
My doc did this to me WITHOUT MY CONSENT with my first pregnancy. My midwives for #2 and #3 knew how to keep their hands to themselves and be patient.
ETA:
Forgot to say that when my doc did it to me with my first, it didn't work either. I was already 3-4 cm and 100% effaced, but it still took me a week to go into labor.
AND there is a slight risk of doc accidently breaking your water when he does it.
2007-03-01 02:31:43 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋