Membrane Stripping for Labor Induction: A Patient's Question & Expert Advice

Question
I am 21 years old I am currently 9 months pregnant with my first child. I have been experiencing a stinging pain internaly and after examination and ultrasound myself nor my OBGYN can figure out the problem. How can I ask my OB to strip my membranes to speed up a natural labor without sounding like I am simply tired of being pregnant?

Answer
When is your EDC? Usually, we do not like to "strip membranes" until you are 40-41 weeks pregnant and there is a definite indication to induce delivery rather than to wait for labor to begin in its own. You may have many different pains inernally as you are approaching the onset of labor. The baby is positioning itself for delivery. The cervix is starting to become softer. You will be getting pains or contractions that are irregular. Soon, you will start to get regular contractons, in your back or low down in your pelvis. When you start to get contractions at the level of your belly button that occur every 3 minutes (from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction) and each contraction lasts (remains hard) for at least 45 seconds, and all of this continues for a full hour, then you may be in labor and should be checked. If your exam shows you to be 3-4cm, you we be admitted to the hospital. Please be patient, in spite of the stinging pains. Remember also that membranes cannot be "stripped" until your cervix is open enough for a finger to be inserted. Good Luck.