Membrane Stripping During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Question
I'm 38 weeks pregnant and my doctor said if I wanted her too she could strip my membrains to see if it will start labor. I said no this time because I wanted some more info on it first. I'm thinking about telling her to go ahead and do it next time I have an appointment because I will be 39 weeks pregnant than and I'm already starting to have contractions that are about 20 minuites apart. Can you give me some more information on stripping the membrains, does it hurt really bad, how much do you bleed, what are the risks involved?

Answer
Hello Christine,

With you being only 38 weeks, your baby still has a least 2 more weeks until his or her due date.  A lot can happen during that time.  Sometimes due dates can be off as well, so that's another thing to consider.
If it were me, I would wait it out because eventually your membranes will rupture on their own.  I think it is best to let nature handle the work.  You baby and body know best as to when the baby is ready to be born.  Of course, I know you are uncomfortable right now.  I was miserable at 32 weeks with my twins.  
Know that there is a difference between stripping membranes and breaking your bag of water.
Stripping membranes involves removing the mucus plug that blocks the opening of your cervix.  I haven't had it done myself, but the women that I know that have done that say it's kind of uncomfortable.  A lot of them didn't go into labor any sooner.  They ended up having to induce.
Since the membrances is what blocks your cervix and keeps out germs, there is an increased possibility of infection.  I don't know how much you would bleed.  I wouldn't imagine it would be any more than spotting.
You really have to think of the benefits vs the risks.  The benefits are that you
- may go into labor sooner
- may decrease your labor
The risks are that you
- could get an infection that could harm you or the baby (the tool they use is used on other women, and while it is supposed to be clean, I have seen various TV shows which show that some tools aren't as sanitary as you would think they should be)
- still not go into labor
- have cramps or other complications
Think about the options.  Discuss the risks vs. benefits.  Since you are having contractions, I wouldn't be surprise if you don't go into labor sometime during week 39.  
Take care and good luck!
~Andrea