QuestionI am now just at 40 weeks and my baby hasnt dropped and in 2 days i am going to do membrane stripping, does membrane stripping help me drop? or should i be concerned at all?
AnswerHi Crystal, and thanks for writing!
Stripping the membranes is where a health care provider will separate your bag of water from the cervix, it is not intended to break your water, however, it may. It may also cause infection, and may be painful for some.
The reason why doctors usually strip membranes is to "get things going" in regards to labour. This little technique is usually done during a vaginal exam at the end of pregnancy, with or without the knowledge or consent of the woman.
Stripping the membranes, is supposed to stimulate production of prostiglandins in the cervix and bring on contractions. I have heard that is most cases, that when stripping membranes most will have the baby in two days. While this may appear to work for some, at term it's all a guessing game. There is no scientific work to date that can back up the routine procedure of stripping membranes.
You may want to ask your care provider to avoid this procedure if you are worried about the effects and risks. Or you may want to avoid vaginal exams during the end of pregnancy for the same reasons, because unfortunately they cannot accurately predict when ladies will give birth.
Your biggest risk with this procedure, is infection. It doesnt mean you will get it, but you are at higher risk. So be sure that if you do get a fever, or begin to feel ill after the procedure that you immediately contact your doctor to for treatment to avoid complications for you and your baby.
Hope this is of some help,and thanks for writing!
-Kristy
