To Stri*****t to strip - that is the question....

...and no, this has nothing to do with my father-in-law !! 

(First thanks to all the grea****er-breaking stories / advice from my post earlier this week!)

Tomorrow I go in for my OB visit.  I will get an NST.  I am guessing since I'll be over 40 weeks he'll finally do a pelvic exam ?  (haven't had one yet!) 

What if he asks me about stripping my whatever-it-is-you-get-stripped ?  (membranes?) 

Is this painful?  Does it really help?  Does it hurt anything?   

I am guessing he'd do it right there in the office?  Can I get up and go to dinner afterwards (hubby promised me crab legs!) 

Thanks in advance! 

Cindy

I had my son at 41 weeks and one day...I was induced. I had my membranes stripped on 3 different occasions. It doesn't feel great...but not super bad either....uncomfy. But it never worked for me...I've heard it works for a lot of people though!


Jackie

Hi there! 
Here is a link to some info on stripping membranes that I hope is helpful ... its a little graphic, so be cautious, ladies ...

http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/inductions.html#

You may want to go to dinner first, since this can set your labor into motion rather quickly if it works for you! :-)

I would give it a try. You are already at the point to have the baby so maybe it will  help some. When I had mine done it hurt a little but nothing big. Had a little spotting and cramping and that was it then next day contractions started.

I personally wish I had said no with my first child. I think it put me into labor too early. To me doing anything to push labor along increases you chances of having a c-section.

Melanie

All they do is stick a finger between your cervix and membranes and swipe it to sort of "loosen" it.  You are past the "too early" point.  It got my contractions going, that's for sure.  It's no more uncomfortable than having their hand up there anyway.  I'm shocked they haven't done a pelvic on you yet.  They did this every week my last month just to check my dilation and effacement.  WEIRD! 
I asked about having them stripped and my OB said, "well, I just did that...and I was able to open you from a 1 to a 4!!"  And I couldn't tell at all!  I lost my mucus plug that very night though...

Good luck!  And I would be getting crablegs even if in labor...they are my fav too!
Sandy

I had it done on a Thursday I said to the doc your done already? You might spot some so don't be alarmed at that. When they did mine I was 2cm and I was almost 38 weeks. On Saturday my water started leaking although she told me to also have sex, lots but we DTD just on Friday night thats all I could handle being that preggo! I think that  the combo is what set things in motion.

Anyways had to have piticon b/c I was only having mild contractions and that was started around 7pm, I would have to check my birth story to be sure and I had her on Sunday at 8:03am. I don't think it hurts to do it but usually it takes 24-48hrs to work.

Hope this helps!

Hi Cindy...

Honestly, you should ask your FIL for his opinion...."Should I or shouldn't I strip?" Maybe you'll score another batch of peirogies!

My friends who have had it done, found it very helpful in helping them go into labor. The two friends I am thinking of both said it hurt like hell, but still suggested it.

--Paula

OMG you kill me....I so was thinking your post was about perogies....and tassles....lol.....

Never had it stripped....but heard it kind of hurts for a quick second...I say have em strip you....am watching my cell phone like a hawk for announcement of a new nekkid baby :) lol

Hugs,

Angel Annie :)

They wouldn't do it for me since I was positive for Group B Strep.  If you are too, then be prepared they may not strip you unless you are actually at the hospital....if that makes any sense at all.