What exactly is the stripping of the membranes? Also known as sweeping or stimulating the cervix in late pregnancy can sometimes lead to the woman going into labor. This is usually done after the 38th week of pregnancy, sometimes without the woman’s consent.
This procedure is widely used in modern day obstetrics, by midwives and doctors alike, to help encourage labor and presumably to prevent post date pregnancies and c-sections.
I first asked my doctor about this at 38 weeks gestation. He said this was a very simple procedure and can be done during a vaginal exam. He also informed me that it was no more painful than a vaginal exam.
Before I actually have him perform this, I decided to research it on the internet, what I hope to find were some personal accounts of this but mostly I found medical articles. There seems to be some controversy over this subject. Some feel it is dangerous and un-necessary. It is also considered to be meddling in the natural labor process.
Stripping of the membranes is performed by the doctor by placing his or her fingers through the cervix and sweeping them around 360 degrees. By doing this he or she will separate the membranes from the uterine wall. This is supposed to break the membranes at a molecular level therefore producing prostaglandins, which are said to ripen the cervix.
Sometimes the stripping of the membranes results in the bag of water breaking but not often. There are some risks and side affects involved that you should be aware of as well. Stripping of the membranes can be very painful for some women. It is very aggressive; many times this will cause bleeding. There is a risk of infection as well but seems to be a low risk as long as the doctor or midwife performing this is using sterile gloves.
Stripping of the membranes works best on women who already have a ripened cervix and are fairly close or even past their due date. If conditions are right, the woman may go into labor within a few hours, although in some cases repeated strippings are necessary before the woman goes into labor.
If this is something, you feel might work for you, you can discuss it with your health care provider. He or she may be better able to help you decide if this is a good option for you.
In my case, I had my doctor strip my membranes three days before my due date and gave birth to a healthy baby boy the day after my due date. As my doctor said, it was no more painful then a vaginal exam. I, however, had no bleeding or cramping. I do not believe stripping my membranes helped to bring on labor . I think ultimatly, it is the body who decides when you will go into labor despite what the person may want.
