Should I get my membranes stripped, or not?

Question

I've heard that it works for some women, and doesn't work for others. I'm at 39 weeks today, and my doctor is willing to strip my membranes, but he says it "doesn't work". I'm ready to have this baby, but don't want to do something unneccesary or painful for no reason. But if it gets things going, I think it would be worth it. I'm 5 cm. dilated and 70% effaced, but the contractions that I was having have slowed waaaay down (they were 3-4 minutes apart, but only progessing me very slowly). My doctor will not induce me until I am at 41 weeks. What do you think about me getting my membranes stripped?

I'm not really having contractions anymore- maybe one here and there... but not much at all.

mrscjr- Where are you getting 'two weeks past full term'? Are you counting 39 weeks as full term?

No, it's not because the baby is small- actually, I think the baby is huge. I don't know how big, but he was 5 1/2 pounds or so 5 weeks ago, and I've grown a LOT. This OB is just pretty conservative, and does not want me to have to have a c-section...

Oh, and no- there's no question about the due date.

Answer 1

I wouldn't. The chance of infection is just too high to be worth the risk. And your doctor is right, membrane stripping is not all that effective. I wonder why he wants you to go 2 weeks past full term before he'll induce - is your baby smaller than the doctor would like him to be for the best possible start in life? Is there any question about the accuracy of the due date?

Either way, even if he has to take action at 41 weeks, you're almost there. I have four of my own, and 2 of them were late, so I know the discomfort (<~~ BIG euphemism) you're in. I'd put dollars to donuts, though, that you'll pop before then.

Congratulations!

Answer 2

Go to

http://scholar.google.com/

and do some searches for 'membrane stripping labour' and the like.

One thing stands out: it doesn't do much of anything pre-40-weeks. It's also supposed to be painful, yes. So, as for the 'unneccesary or painful for no reason' -- yeah. Skip it.

Why would you want to? I mean, odds are excellent the babe's just not ready. Trust the process and all that.

&

"Many people try to use the information that is gathered from a vaginal exam to predict things like when labor will begin or if the baby will fit through the pelvis. A vaginal exam simply cannot measure these things...

Okay, so there's not really a great reason to have a vaginal in exam done routinely for most women. So are there any reasons not to have vaginal exams? There sure are.

Vaginal exams can increase the risks of infection, even when done carefully and with sterile gloves, etc. It pushes the normal bacteria found in the vagina upwards towards the cervix. There is also increased risk of rupturing the membranes. Some practitioners routinely do what is called stripping the membranes, which simply separates the bag of waters from the cervix. The thought behind this is that it will stimulate the production of prostaglandins to help labor begin and irritate the cervix causing it to contract. This has not been shown to necessarily be effective and does have the aforementioned risks."

http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/interventions/a/vaginalexam.htm

Answer 3

i grow to be in touch in a communicate approximately this final week the place some women have been debating no rely if or no longer it grow to be effectual. For the main area, it appeared like if the child is waiting, you would be contracting very quickly after the membranes or stripped. curiously, stripping the membranes motives specific hormones to be released that set off exertions. If the child and your physique are not waiting no longer something will happen. by the variety, the female who introduced the subject rely up had her membranes stripped that day and did have her infant a pair of days afterwards.

Answer 4

I remember being in the waiting room when my mom went to the doc to get checked. She came out and told me to call dad to say that she was going to let them strip her so she could hurry and have the baby. She walked back into the office and 10 minutes later could barely walk out. She said it hurt so BAD and would never do that again! This was 16 yrs ago and I remember it like yesterday.

So I guess my answer would be DON'T DO IT!!!

Answer 5

well my membranes were stripped when i was about 38 going on 39 weeks and it worked for me but your 5 you are ready! So if you do it it might put you into active labor go go go!

Answer 6

well if your 5 cm and your contractions are coming along there is no NEED to do it, just wait and let nature take its course i mean honestly the less invasive the better for you and the baby, sometimes such aggressive delivery can cause strain on the baby which might cause it to have irregular heartbeats (palpitations etc.) i'd leave it for a last resort if you can' take the pain etc. but i'd try to stick it out longer its better for both of you

Answer 7

I think the majority rules here. I didn't have mine stripped either for Both of my children. I think having sex with your partner would be more effective...I don't mean that to be gross, I am serious. Walking is another one that does wonders.
Best wishes to you girlfriend!

Answer 8

i had that done, and let me tell you...it freak'n hurt! really, if you're already 5 then you don't have much longer, don't do it. i was barely 1 and a day late thats why i had it done. i went into labor two days later. but really, it hurt.

Answer 9

http://pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnancy/baby/Is-it-safe-to-get-my-membranes-stripped-6008.htm
go here it sound informational