Gggrrrr!!.....

[mama to 2 girls]

I just talked to my cousin and she just had her 36 week( well she is close enough 35 weeks and 4 days) appt with her m/w and she did an internal and my cousin said that she said he is about 6 1/2lbs.(which I think is average for this stage right?) but anyways she said she thinks she stripped her membranes!! She is really worried that now she is going to go into labor within the next 48hrs(that is what she heard that usually within 48hrs of stripping the membranes you go into labor) She said that it was REALLY uncomfortable LOTS of pressure and she said that while she was doing the exam that the baby was at -1 station but that she could lift the head, she thinks she just did it and didn't tell her! She did say that the m/w told her that her cervix was posterior so maybe that is why there was so much pressure. I know that when I was in active labor with dd2 my cervix was still posterior and I had to lay on the bed with a pillow under my rear for my m/w to feel my cervix.

Do you think that's really possible?! For her to do it and not tell her....she thinks she did because her m/w told her that she was favorable for an induction! I guess because she is dialated and the baby dropped and he already about 6 1/2 lbs.....I am just so worried for my cousin! She had trouble birthing her dd who was 7lbs. 11oz. but she had a strong epidural and was flat on her back! I am just worried they are going to give her a hard time because this one is going to be supposedly bigger.

I am almost hoping she will go into labor within the next two weeks, which she is favorable to do so since she is completely soft and dialated, so he won't be much bigger than her dd.

BTW, she goes to what I call a med-wife...I say that because she is in with an OB and ultimately has to answer to him I believe and she delivers at the hospital.

Sorry for my long rant I am just a little distraught!

[laohaire]

Wow, definitely sounds like a high-intervention midwife.

That's very concerning. The baby, if born now, would be premature.

And of course your cousin's rights were really violated if her membranes were stripped without consent.

I hope your cousin will complain about this. I would also, if I were in your cousin's shoes, not allow any more internal exams at all (that is, IF I were inclined to keep seeing the midwife).

[Sagesgirl]

I've been told by a midwife in NZ that such an action is considered assault in her country. I wish it were here! Sadly I have heard more than one woman tell of having her membranes stripped without her consent or knowledge; one more reason to avoid internal exams in the latter stages of pregnancy.

In your cousin's favor is the fact that stripping the membranes only works some of the time. If her body is otherwise not ready for labor, she probably won't be started by this.

She needs to tell her midwife to keep her hands to herself next time, and she also needs to ask straight out, and if the woman admits to it, then I'd recommend she file a complaint through whatever channels are available to her.

[Snork]

Hi Sagesgirl

I'm that midwife in NZ and yes, it is assault if she did that without your full knowledge, explaining all the risks and benefits (if any) and without your full consent.

Sadly she may have covered herself by seeking consent for the vaginal exam, and then not documenting or admitting she actually did a stretch and sweep.

Please, please women of the world, STOP the madness. Dont let anyone examine you vaginally before labour unless there is good medical reason (eg premature labour). There is absolutely NO NEED for vaginal examination before labour - and even during labour very few if any are needed.

[Snork]

BTW: good luck to your cousin. Keeping her and her wee one in my prayers.