stripping membranes?

[sarahgracer]

I will be 37 weeks Wednesday and I go to my appointment on Thursday. 2 weeks ago I was dilated 1 cm. I'm just curious as to when my doctor would possibly do this? For those who had this done when did your doctor do it?

[mom2ariana]

my doctor swept my membranes at 37 weeks + 6 days. i had my daughter the next evening at 38 weeks on the dot.

[mommabear27]

Its like an internal exam, the midwife will insert her fingers into your vagina and up to your cervix. Your cervix  normally feels like the tip of your nose but when youre heavily pregnant it feels like a pair of puckered lips. Your midwife will feel to get her fingers through the hole in the middle - if she can get one finger through you are 1cm dilated, two fingers is 2cm.  Once her fingers are through, she will sweep her fingers round in a circular motion to 'sweep' or 'strip' your membranes - the aim is to detach your bag of waters from the membrane wall to try and start labour within 24-48 hours, but it doesnt akways work first time x

[juniorsmommyx3]

Oh ok thank youuu!

[sarahgracer]

I believe it's when the doctor separates your cervix from the amniotic sac.

[sarahgracer]

I believe it's when the doctor separates your cervix from the amniotic sac.

[juniorsmommyx3]

What is a membrane sweep or strip? I asked this on another post but got completely ignored lol

[mommabear27]

Here in Scotland they dont like to until youre at your due date. I got mine done day before due date and I was 1cm dilated when they done it w