So, got the membranes stripped...

I think it was last week someone asked about having membranes stripped. Well, I had it done today. Not the most comfortable of things to have done, BUT, my midwife explained to me exactly what she was doing, and what stripping the membranes did for me and my baby, and I think it was worth it. It's not meant to send you into active labor. It does release progesterone (I think that's what she said, anyways), which can cause contractions, but basically what it does is it helps to soften your cervix, and help you to continue effacing and dilating on your own. It was a bit painful.. mostly a lot of pressure that felt oddly like I was having lower back contractions. I just closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, and it was over within a couple of minutes.

So, yeah, today she stripped one of my membranes, and at the next appointment she'll do it again. But she also said that if I make it to the next appointment, they'll also schedule me for an induction. I'm happy about that because at my last appointment I voiced my concerns about my baby being too over-due, and she's actually listening to me and doing something about it! I would rather go into labor naturally, BUT I don't want any complications due to my baby being way past his due date. So, hopefully I go into labor soon!

Anyways, I also found out today that I'm 40% effaced and 1cm dilated. So, not very far along, but I am making progress! And that's what counts.

Well, just wanted to post about the procedure! Hope everyone is doing well!  

-Raen

I actually jsut found out I am 50 percent effaced and 2 centimeters dilated, and I still feel like that is nothing. I am 11 days away from my due date, and always heard stories of women who are carrying their third child delivering early but I am worried I will be late as well.

Yeah, I didn't really want to find out how dilated I was because I'm pretty sure it'll only make the next few days/week harder because I know the process has begun! Ugh! I thought for sure I'd have this baby in October (just a feeling I had when I first got pregnant). Well, there went that! haha I think he's just super comfortable in there.  

Thanks for replying, and I hope you don't go too late! If you're already dilating, hopefully that'll mean you'll have it at LEAST by your due date! I'm giving my baby a week after the due date, then he's coming out whether he wants to or not! haha

Good luck with everything and best wishes!!

-Raen

hey i posted the subject bout getting them stripped...neways we have the same due date.11/06 yayyyyy well 2day im having contractions im 75% effaced and 3cm dialated so maybe she will come this weekend keeping my fingers crossed  

whats stripping the membranes? i havent heard of that yet.

Stripping membranes is when they separate a membrane layer from your cervix. It's a procedure my midwife did with just her finger, but I guess sometimes they use a little tool. What it does is it helps your cervix to soften and helps with dilating and effacing. It's not meant to send you into active labor, just meant to help the early labor processes go by.
Not all women have it done. I'm only having it done because my due date is fast approaching and I've still had no signs of labor.

-Raen

Striping the membranes is a lesser form of induction. Not as invasive or harsh to the body as pitocin or cytotec. The cervix needs to be favorable for care provider to work finger through it to the bag of waters, then to move the fingers around the end of the cervix separating the bag of waters from the cervix. This can be uncomfortable, make pre-mature rupture of the bag of waters to happen, can cause infection.
Nipple situmlation, sex, acupunture/accupressure points and chiropractic adjustments may be more comfortable, more fun and have the same results.

thanks guys!