membrane stripping?

Ok so I saw my OB today and as many of you know, my due date is within a week of my hubby's deployment date... soooo again I asked about an elective c-section or induction. They pretty much said no, but that's a military hospital for you.

ANYWAY... they did however say that if all looks well at 37 weeks they will start stripping the membranes. Sounds painful to me. Has anyone had this done? What is it, does it hurt and did it work???? Thanks in advance!!

Re: membrane stripping?

I have not had it done...but I hope to have it done this pregnancy!!! I just want to have this baby already (not really already, Im only 31 weeks, but you know what I mean)....I posted a question about this on parenting...

Message edited 9/12/2008 2:06:28 PM.

Re: membrane stripping?

the bag of waters is inside the uterus, and the bag is composed of membranes. The membranes tend to cling to the wall of the uterus until after the baby is born and the placenta is expelled. As the cervix begins to soften and open (dilate) at the end of pregnancy, the part of the membranes that was over the cervical opening can be felt through the opening when a vaginal exam is done. "Stripping the membranes" is done by inserting a finger between the membranes and the wall of the uterus to loosen the membranes from the wall. Sometimes, this stimulation of the uterine wall can help to start labor. Sometimes, the loosening of the membranes allows more water to collect in front of the baby which puts more pressure on the cervix and perhaps labor is stimulated that way. The procedure can be a little uncomfortable for some women. If the woman is truly near delivery, she often gets a contraction as a result of the procedure.




I have heard that it is quite uncomfortable!

Re: membrane stripping?

It is uncomfortable but done very quickly. It's over within seconds.

Re: membrane stripping?

I am having it done monday. FM me and I will give you the lowdown