Membrane Stripping: Benefits, Risks & What to Expect

Question
I was wondering if you could give me the pros and cons of getting my mebranes stripped.
Thanks!
Candace

Answer
Hello Candace. This is a common in-office method of induction. If the cervix is open enough to admit one finger, the dr presses the membranes away from the cervix all around the edges. The hope is that this will release a hormone called prostaglandin and stimulate labor. It can be VERY uncomfortable. You will pass bloody show for a day or so afterwards. The risk is that this procedure will weaken the membranes and cause them to rupture prematurely. The membranes are needed to cushion the baby's head during contractions allowing the pressure to be even PLUS they protect the baby from infection- very important if you are delivering in a hospital where there are MANY "bugs" you would never be exposed to anywhere else. Once the membranes have been ruptureed, you must deliver within 24 hours for just this reason. IF labor does not proceed once the membranes are breeched, you will get a chemical induction and if that fails, you will have a c/section. In midwifery, we strive to have the Mom eat enough protein to develop tough membranes that will stay intact until very late in labor-8-9cm- so that baby has a gentler experience and infection is reduced. This is the way mother nature planned it. I understand that you may be frustrated with waiting for labor to begin. Having lots of intercourse will place the prostaglandin in the semen onto your cervix which often helps, lots of nipple stimulation in the evening while watcheing TV may help. This means two full hours of rubbing/twirling both nipples for a full minute, every five minutes. I hope that answers your question- Cheri.