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1321341 tn?1274455553

Stripping of the membranes at 37 weeks

OK so im 37 weeks and 1 day according to my doctor and i lost my mucus plug when i was 34 weeks and im dilated to a 2 and 50 percent effaced(thinned)! Tomorrow my doctor is going to strip my membranes sooo my questions are...........

Does labor usually start after its done?
and if so......
How long does it usually take?
9 Responses
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Avatar universal
I am with DoulaSummer. I'm sorry but 37 weeks is too early and according to ACOG (American College of Gynecologists) there is absolutely NO reason to induce this early unless your life or the baby's life are in danger. Even 37-weekers can be born with respiratory issues. I am a firm believer that women should not be induced before 39 weeks.
ACOG is also changing their opinion that 37 weeks is considered full term. There is talk of changing it to 38 or 39 weeks and I sure hope they do.

I know you feel huge, I know you're tired and swollen and so ready to meet your baby. Letting them "cook" for as long as possible gives them the best head start in life. Good luck to you!
Helpful - 0
3 Comments
Mine are getting done as baby is at risk without knowing someones history maybe not fill them with fear about what induction can do as both options can be scary, Getting my baby out is scary to me but if i leave her in I may not bring her home either.
I was induced with both of my babies and all went well.  :>)  At the time, you do what is best and sometimes that is indeed the very best option.  luck to all
beck, when is your baby due?  Hope you are doing okay!
202436 tn?1326474333
The light bleeding and pressure is a good sign. The exam could have triggered some change.  Keep in mind that having your membranes stripped can range from being mildly uncomfortable to painful depending on the person, position of the cervix, etc.  I do feel that is what got things going with DS5 so hopefully it will for you as well.  Let us know how it goes!!
Helpful - 0
1321341 tn?1274455553
Well when my doctor checked me yesterday I was dilated to a 2 still and 50 percent thinned, and after the exam I started bleeding and am still bleeding today! Its light pink not bright red! I feel lots of pressure down there, and I'm going in today at 1 o'clock so she can strip my membranes, I'm hoping this works and starts my labor! Thanks so much for all the info yall have given me!
Helpful - 0
202436 tn?1326474333
I can only tell you my experience. With DS5 I had my membranes stripped at 38 weeks.  I, too, was 2 cm and 50%.  This was on a thursday.  That afternoon I had some blood tinged mucus and a few contractions, saturday I had more of the bloody mucus and more contractions, same with sunday. Monday I woke up and felt like my fluid was leaking and I was having some contractions.  I went to L & D, they tested and said no it was just urine and I was still 2 cm and 50%.  Throughout the day my contractions got stronger so I called my ob, she said to go back to L & D. I got there around 330 pm, the test revealed I WAS leaking, I was 3 cm and 75% so they admitted me.  My son was born at 6:54 that evening.  He came so fast that I almost didn't get to finish my epidural, he was crowning as they were inserting it.    
Helpful - 0
906115 tn?1344200509
I had my cervix streched but never have had my membranes stripped. I had it done at34-35 weeks as I was in labor and the dr was afraid the release me if something were to happena s I live 3 hours away. It did nothing!! Still contracting and still intact membranes. Now actual stripping of the membranes is inda not good as if th waters rupture before yoru body is ready to give birth it can casue infection. But doing it does release prostiglandlins to soften and dialate the cervix if it is ready! But like Doula Summer said make sure your at least 38-39 weeks before doing that! I only had my cervix streched as I was already dialating, had shots for the babies lungs (two rounds) and heeb contracting since 32 weeks when I was taken off my progesterone shots to help me not go into labor.
Helpful - 0
1222635 tn?1366396286
i had my membranes stripped at 38 weeks and it started labor for me that night. contractions started pretty much immediately then got farther apart and then slowly closer together again.
it really didn't hurt that bad. it was just uncomfortable. but my pain tolerance is relatively high so what didn't hurt for me might hurt for others.
i hope it works for you!! oh and i was dilated 1 to 1/2 and 50% effaced.
Helpful - 0
1163675 tn?1274627512
Stripping of the membranes will only induce labor if the body is already prepared for it.  If it happens to work (which is only in about 25% of patients), you will know within 48 hours.  Loss of mucus plug is NOT a sign of labor and commonly reform.  Sometimes the bag of waters is popped which means automatic hospital admission for most doctors.

My question is...why are you stripping them SO early?  Due dates are estimated and can be up to 2 weeks off.  If your baby's due date is off it means NICU!  ACOG even says that induction attempts should NOT be made before 39 weeks.  If your doctor is using induction procedures, he or she is already not following guidelines and you are likely setting yourself up for a high intervention delivery and possibly a c-section.  Those guidelines are there to prevent preterm births and protect from further unneeded interventions that lead to life threatening complications.

I wish you the best, but remember, this is your body and your decision.  You have the right to refuse vaginal checks if you feel your doctor will not follow your wishes.  Every vaginal check increases your chances of infection as well and can lead to a breaking of your waters with or without your consent (trust me it happens).
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
My membranes were swept at 37 wks 1 day bcuz my previous baby was 10lb 5.8oz n she doesnt want me to have another big baby!!
1102290 tn?1278499953
OMG - I am sorry I thought I was on the July 10 baby site... sorry - BABY BRAIN!!!  
Helpful - 0
1102290 tn?1278499953
I know a few woman on the 18-35 site had their membranes swept.. you might get more responses/stories if you post it on there... GOOD LUCK!!!  I have heard that it hurts... I have also heard it worked and did not work.... But as they say ... the baby has to come out sometime...:)
Helpful - 0
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