Membrane stripping - Page 2

[chely7425]

I had it done last pregnancy at 39 weeks (DH finagled a 10 day emergency leave pass from basic training so baby NEEDED to come) but it didn't do much, probably because my body wasn't ready. If I am dilated at my next appointment (on the 11th) I will probably let them do it just because I am done with this!!

[MamaMem]

I had it done 10 days ago and again today. Right now I am in early labor... we will see if it sticks. Wish me well.

[rivkah]

Originally Posted by tangozulu

My sister had it done and she went into labor the next day (and had a good sized baby and natural child birth). She was right around her due date and dilated, can't remember the details of how far. They WERE pretty rough with her (I was there, and she almost fainted from the pain, sorry to freak anyone out) - some providers are definitely rougher than others and I'm sure you can ask them to be gentle.

I also had it done, it didn't hurt at all - but it also didn't do anything. I had the baby over a week later.

Well, I am taking your poor sister's story and trying to think positive. I am sorry it was so painful for her, though.

I have been crampy and having bloody show since it was done, and having the only even slightly uncomfortable contractions I have had so far (besides one weird night at about 36 weeks, which I think was baby turning). Honestly, even if it takes three more days, I feel like I can deal now--I know this baby is coming soon. So for me, it was totally worth it, even if it only hastens labor by a day or two.

Cervix/uterus whatever. I'll take my midwife's finger in there any day if it can coax the ten fingers and toes that are in their now out.

[savvybabygrace]

I had it done with #1 and would not do it again. It wasn't that painful, uncomfortable maybe, but when my mw did it she accidentally tore my bag of waters and I went through a whole induction that ended in a c-section. In my opinion, it was the stripping of membranes that did this. Obviously by baby and body were not ready for labor.

[dmariev]

Originally Posted by MamaMem

I had it done 10 days ago and again today. Right now I am in early labor... we will see if it sticks. Wish me well.

Sorry to hijack your thread rivkah, but I got a message from MamaMem early this morning, and she was on her way to the birth center.: Wishing her well!! Looks like the membrane stripping worked for her!! I'm hoping it works for you too!!

[rivkah]

:

Yeah for MamaMem!

[goin' green]

Well, while it's something I can't imagine doing myself, I wanted to come and give you another story Rivkah!

My bro's girlfriend (41w3d) had her membranes stripped yesterday and went into labor last night - 10lb3oz baby girl! Maybe yours will start up soon!

[koalove]

Originally Posted by sunflwrmoonbeam

Well Voltige, stripping membranes is when a doctor sticks his hand into the uterus and separates the bottom of the amniotic sack from the walls of the uterus/cervix. It's supposed to release prostaglandins and thereby stimulate labor. I've heard it's incredibly painful, and personally I'm way too squicked by the idea of someone's HAND IN MY UTERUS!!!! to ever allow that to happen.

wow if that were true it would be scary as heck! the tip of one finger is put through the cervix (you have to be dilated to at least 2 cm.) and the amniotic sack is separated from the neck of the cervix. it barely hurts~ sort of stings a little, takes about 30 seconds and for me~~ i had a baby 8 hours later!

[tangozulu]

Any update, rivkah?

[MamaMem]

Originally Posted by dmariev

Sorry to hijack your thread rivkah, but I got a message from MamaMem early this morning, and she was on her way to the birth center.: Wishing her well!! Looks like the membrane stripping worked for her!! I'm hoping it works for you too!!

...and then it stopped. Seriously (I tried to message you yesterday and sent it to me instead. duh). BUT from Monday afternoon till Tuesday morning I dialated from 2maybe3cm to 4cm and stretchy beyond, from 60% effaced to 80% and baby engaged. They decided thatit was truly prodromal labor but was doing some awesome work. I was kind of disappointed but then was very ok bc I have a big baby and the more that happens before labor the less to do after active labor starts and I end up on a time line... You know?

They had me come back today to chek baby again and offered to strip again and I took them up. Currently having contractions that are going from 20 mintues to 10 mintues. Looking much better for active labor also.

And Rivkah, how are you? labor dust just in case you need it...

[mischa.simpson]

This is super interesting thread!

I am having my first sweep next Tuesday at 39 weeks if I am looking good to go. MW says that unless I am pretty much ready it won't do much the first time. I have an appointment with a surgeon (not pregnancy related) at 41.5 weeks that I cannot miss as it has been scheduled for months and months for an August surgery so we are trying to make sure I'll make it. I had hoped for no interventions but this is a better alternative than induction.

[MamaMem]

I should add that you are right, it usuallt does nto do much the first time. The only reason my mimdwives are being so aggressive with me right now (I think that's the right word) is bc I have a big baby, I really really really want to VBAC and the OB is pushing for c-sec. She (OB) is actually mroe worried about shoulder dystocia and stillbirth than rupture. The midwives are quite confident that I can do it, and are willing to go way out of their way to help me try.

Typically, they would do the stripping at one week intervals at your regular appts. Warning: if it is going to do any good, it is not painfree.

[chely7425]

I am going for a VBAC too... and my OB is a tad worried about the size of this baby's head but is sure I can do it. Luckily our OBs here are awesome and have actually had patients complain because they are so resistent to schedule repeat c-sections!! I think I am having my membranes stripped again today though... we are hoping this baby can be out before DH has to go to the field...