Stripping Membranes

I had my membranes stripped with my last child but still had to have pitocin. It's pretty uncomfortable but I understand it's helpful for some women and if it works, it's better than pitocin.

I had mine stripped when I was about a week over due with my last child. It was a bit uncomfortable but it got things moving. I had them stripped at like 10AM and she was born the next morning at 5:40am. I went into full labor at about 2:00AM. Lucky me hu?
G.

I had this done with 2 of my 3, but not just for convenience, there's really no reason unless you are overdue or labor has stalled. It's not painful at all (at least not for me). For my 2nd birth, i had them srtipped and went into labor that night. The 3rd, it started labor, but then i stalled. You never really know! If the baby's not ready to come out, it's not ready and it's best to leave it alone unless there's a reason.

I personally had a horrible experience when my membranes were stripped. Not only did it not work at all, but it was the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. I swear that it hurt worse then labor and delivery- hopefully you will have a better experience. My advice is if it has to be done, have someone experienced preform the procedure; an "intern" at the hospital "tried" to strip my membranes...

Hi,
I had it done a twice, my 2nd baby I was 37 weeks I was already dialated to a 2 and was having contractions, I had him that night, last year I had my 4th baby my daughter did it at 37 weeks I was dialated to a 2 then I went back the following week at 38 weeks she did it again on thursday and I went in labor the next day. its uncomfortable not really painful I think its worth it. I wanted to have my babies and get it oner with

I did it and it worked had healthy baby boy 1 week early

Hi T.,
Stripping membrane should be a painless procedure. the idea is that the separation of membrane from the uterine wall, will cause a localized chemical reaction that will induce labor. It is harmless, and un-certain in its efficacy as any other procedure (short of C-section)to predict the outcome of labor.
Complication: rupture of membrane, infection, and other minor.
If done prematurly (not in your case), before the baby turns (head down), rupture of membranes could result in a prolapse cord.

hope it helps.

me

I haven't had the procedure myself, but I work with a woman who had her membranes stripped when she was at term with no signs that labor was going to start. She said it was extremely uncomfortable and she ended up being induced anyway.

I'm wondering why your midwife would do it at 38wks when for some women it can start labor soon afterwards. Why not wait until you're closer to 39 or 40 weeks and see if your body naturally progresses? After your first child, the second tends to come much more easily. My first labor was 33hrs and my second was only 8hrs. I'd take the wait and see approach unless there is some other reason it might be necessary to deliver early. Don't let your midwife pressure you-- it's your body and your baby so if you're not totally comfortable with the idea, then don't do it.

Hi T.,

I did have my membranes stripped with my first daughter, but as with all 3 of my kids I had to have Pitocian to help with my labor. I spooted a little and I have contractions for a while but for me it just wasn't enough to put me over the edge. And Yes of course as with any labor procedure it does hurt a little it is also very unconfortable, but you never now it may be worth it!!!!! Hope for the best!!!!

Stripping of membranes is a fairly common procedure. It can be somewhat uncomfortable, but that depends on your pain tolerance. The time it takes to go into labor once this is done varies between women. I have seen women (I am a labor & delivery Nurse) who had it done the same day and others who had it done 2-3 days later. I hope this helps.

Hi T.,
I had it done with my second baby and my contractions started about 4-6 hours after it was done. It was somewhat uncomfortable, but nothing like the labor pains:) My doctor told me that it can start the labor or it can do nothing. It obviously worked for me. I delivered around 38.5 weeks. Hope this helps.

There is no guarantee that stripping your membranes will make you go into labor. My doctor did mine at 38 weeks and I ended up being induced 4 days after my due date. I also had a friend that had it done and didn't trigger labor. I have read that there is no medical proof that it is an effective means.

If they do strip them it can be uncomfortable and cause cramping or mild contractions shortly after the procedure. I had a little cramping after I had it done, but nothing worse then menstrual cramps.

It may be painful - everyone's experience is different. Try relaxation techniques before the midwife touches you - that will likely help a good deal.

T.,

Have they let you off bed rest yet? I was on modified activity with my second and bedrest for my first. I had my membranes stripped at almost 40 weeks with my second and went into labor within 48 hours. He was born on his due date! And my daughter was born just a week early. After all that! I don't remember the stripping hurting at all. Also if you are trying to shake that little bugger out I would try sex. I always said if it got them in there it will get them out! Plus it's good for a laugh! If you feel you are ready I guess you could go ahead but otherwise I might wait a week or so. By 39 or 40 weeks I would say strip away. It might help and it won't hurt!

Good Luck!

J.

I had my membranes stripped durring both of my pregnancies. It was quick and pretty painless. My Dr. just tore the membranes with their finger. I think I went into active labor with-in a day or two. It has been 5 years since my youngest was born, but I remember thinking that it really moved me along.
(It was really quick too - the membrane stipping - I didn't realize he was doing it until he was done in about 2 seconds)

Hi T.,

I had my membranes stripped with my third pregnancy and remember that it was not that painful, uncomfortable, yes but no lasting pain. Bloody show afterwards, and any spotting or bleeding should be reported to your mid-wife immediately.

The onset of labor varies with each person, some go into labor with in hours after this procedure and hold out until 72 or more hours later. (I personally, had to be induced for the onset of labor)

I worry that you are on complete bed rest as this will result in a longer labor. Some suggest that you are active such as short walks before your delivery as this helps baby move into the birth canal. I would also recommend, stretching techniques. Preparing for birth by squatting is a time honored and common sense practice that helps stretch all the areas that will be affected during childbirth. Also read up on daily perineal massage, or ask your mid-wife about this practice.

Good Luck, and congratulations. I know you and your hubby will enjoy your new little boy!

I had my membranes stripped when I was pregnant with my second child. I had been on bed rest for 4 months. As I got close to my due date my midwife asked me if i wanted to have a baby tonight? She said I was at my due date and she could strip my membranes because it was finally time. It didn't hurt, and it worked. It felt like cramps and then I realized it was light labor.

I think this is something that midwives do so you don't have to be induced after being on bed rest and not really moving. I began contracting after about an hour. We were able to contact our support team and get them all there and we were off and running.
Good Luck,
The Mommie Mentor

I was almost 40 weeks and 3 cm dialated when I had my membranes stripped. I was probably in labor all night but I didn't feel a thing. When I woke up the next morning I was having stronger contractions and they were closer together. I went into the hospital and I was already 6 cm dialated and my water broke when I got there. I can tell you for sure that this pregnancy was easier than my first one. With my first one, I was induced at 40 weeks and the contractions were more intense. So I am pretty sure having my membranes stripped helped speed up going into labor. Good Luck:)

Well I had my membranes stripped twice with my son and never went into labor but everyone is different, my sister in law had her membranes stripped and was in the hospital giving birth that night!

I have never heard of that?! I would imagine that the midwife would be the best person to ask.

I had my membranes stripped with my first pregnancy, and it didn't do anything for me. My friend had the same experience. I did lose my plug and dialated a little bit more, but not enough to go into labor. I still waited two more weeks until my water broke. Yes, it did hurt. It was very uncomfortable, but only for a couple of minutes. Good luck!

I had my membranes stripprd with my second and I would say it didn't really hurt but it was a bit uncomfortable when she did it. I started labor about 2 hours after she did it and had my son with in 24 hrs of her doing it. But my sister-in- law had it done also and it didn't help her go into labor at all they actually did 3 times to her before they just admitted her and broke her water. So everyone is differnt I would go for it and see how things go. Good Luck!!!!!!

Unless there's a really good reason, I would wait. I'm a childbirth educator, and the metaphor we like to use is an apple tree. All of the apples ripen at a different rate, and fall off of the tree when it's the perfect time for them. If you try to take one too early, you have to pull harder and can break the stem, and the apple will not be ready to eat. Each apple is ready in it's own time, and falls from the tree just when it's ready.

Birth is like that too. If you try to get it started for any reason other than the baby's and mother's safety, you're pushing something in nature that has a perfect design and definite course. The baby will come when he is ready. Starting interventions early generally leads to more interventions, and a birth that isn't the beautiful, peaceful event it should be. The baby's body has a place in starting labor, and if it isn't ready yet, you don't want to push it. Give the baby the time he needs. Trust your body. The longer he cooks, the more ready he'll be to face the world! I imagine it's hard for you to be on bedrest, but a couple more weeks isn't a huge amount of time, and you'll be well rested when your baby arrives!

Good luck!

It didn't work for me and it was very uncomfortable. Hope you have better results.

I had this done to me with both of my children and it didn't really do a whole lot. It was still a couple of weeks before I went into labor with either of them after the fact. However, everyone's different and it may be successful for you and help quickly. It didn't hurt, though, just a little uncomfortable feeling for a second.

I had my membranes stripped with one of my children (I have twelve) and I don't remember that it hurt at all. If I am remembering correctly I started the contractions within twelve hours. My labors tend to be very short (longest was about ten hours) so it really was a good step for me. Good luck! Let us know hour you do.

I had it done when I was about 38 weeks. It hurt a little (like menstraul cramps) only while the doc was doing it. It took about 45 seconds. The doc said I would go into labor within 24 hours but it actually took me 36 hours and my water broke in the middle of the night when I got up to use the restroom. If it helps, I would definetly do it again.

My son's birthday is April 4th and he will be 8!! I had my membranes stripped and it didn't hurt. It will help you get things going, everyone is differnt. It depends how much you are dialated too.

I sure will be thinking of you! :)
T.

PS...I have a question for you....what baby products will you use on your baby?
Please be very careful. Make sure that there are no chemicals in them and for sure no Fragrance and Mineral Oil. They are very irritating for their skin.

Have you ever heard of Arbonne? Their baby products are so Pure and Safe for babies.

I would love to send you a sample

www.tesabartell.myarbonne.com

oh no!! I wouldn't let them, it hurts like hell and babies come when they are good and ready!@!! being on bedrest makes me think you need it even less, I've had 3 myself, never on bedrest, and the first was induced, i tell people not to do that either!!!! the second i induced myself with a little help from my husband, sex can induce labor, and the third i had never had my membranes stripped and they did it, and the little guy was still so comfortable in there that i took my other kids to the zoo and walked myself into labor!!

With my first, I had been in bed like you for about a month then when it came time to go into labor, he just didn't want to come. My midwife stripped the membrane, which is similar to scratching the amniotic sac so that it will be 'weaker' and possibly rupture easier causing you to go into labor. I had a long labor, after the membranes ruptured it went a bit faster and caused my natural oxytocin to kick in to help me deal with the labor pains that I now like to call contraction waves. ;)

Stripping your membranes is a vigorous vaginal exam where the Dr./nurse attempts to stimulate labor. It only works if you are "ready" and it may cause some bloody discharge. There is no guarantee it will work, and you can not predict the time if it does. I am an L & D nurse.

I had mine stripped the day before my due date (wed) and went into labor early Friday morning. Its a bit painful, but worth the 20 seconds of discomfort! I would wait until the week of your due date not to rush the baby out unless they deem necessary.

I had my membranes stripped for both of mine at 37 weeks (I am small and have BIG babies!). The first one I ended up in the hospital with false labor and was induced a week later. The second one I started into labor immediately. I went to the hospital that night but was sent home "because they weren't painful enough for me to be in labor" but I had him the next day, 20 hours after it was done. I thought it felt like a strong BH contraction when it was done and I spotted a little after but all in all it was worth it.

Stripping membranes is a little uncomfortable but for many women it works great. You may not go into full blown labor with it but it usually causes you to start cramping. It works for some and not for others, but being a labor nurse I would strongly suggest you go for it!

As a doula, I find it curious that a midwife (usually known for their conservative and "waiting for nature" approach) would do this before your due date since it could result in you giving birth prematurely. Unless of course, there are other health factors that would indicate inducing would be in your and/or the baby's benefit? Given other induction methods, stripping the membranes is a good alternative for encouraging labor - as it doesn't involve medication and is pretty benign. It's not a gaurantee that labor will start though...it's merely a kick-start that may help if your body is ready.

Some women say it is uncomfortable and crampy to have it done. I had it performed with my last son, and I didn't even know she had done it!

My best advice....let your body go into labor naturally as nature intended. Your body knows best. For information about doula support you may want to check out: www.dona.org

Best,
C. - Tucson, AZ

My doc stripped my membranes and ended up breaking my water. I was quite happy about that! It didn't hurt, it was more uncomfortable than painful, much like a pelvic exam or pap. Good luck!

hi,
my name is S. Beth and I thought I knew it all after having 4 children and 5 miscarriages...but the last and final baby-lovingly called the caboose, Phoebe presented problems. It was a rough pregnancy. I took medications I never dreamed were safe, I felt strange, like something was wrong the entire time, I moved my entire family from Florida to Arizona in month six-all in all a real whammy!! I had my membranes stripped on a Thursday, by Sunday I was cramping so badly and so nervous, that my blood pressure shot up and I was admitted and then induced. My point is: 2 things...it hurts, it did nothing for me but speed up the inevitable. BE READY TO CALL OR GO IN AFTER HE/SHE DOES THIS-YOUR 38 WEEK MARKER IS SAFE TO DELIVER AND YOU WILL BE FINE-YOU WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS-CIAO

Hi T.,
I had my membranes stripped when I was pregnant with my daughter. It was very uncomfortable but only for a few seconds. It was very fast and after it was done, I did not feel any pain. I did have some spotting though afterward. I had it done on a Friday afternoon and went into labor Sunday night.

I had my membranes stripped with my last pregnancy and it did not work for me. It wasnot a painful procedure just uncomfortable. My doc said that it usually does not work the first time but by the second time it does. I never got to the second time because they induced me due to high blood pressure, but I have heard it does work the second time around. Good Luck!

M.

I had my membranes stripped when I was 39 weeks along. It did not really hurt it was mostly just uncomfortable. My water broke 2 days later. I was more than ready to have my baby, so I was glad I did it. I am not a medical professional, but I say go for it.