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Stripping Membranes

Does Sweeping the Membranes Start Labor?

Jul 22, 2008 Brenda Lane

New research shows that stripping or sweeping membranes does not induce labor or reduce the mother's chance of going past her due date.

When you reach your due date, your care provider may recommend a technique known as "sweeping" or "stripping" the membranes. This method has been long used by midwives and obstetricians as a way to start labor contractions. Several questions arise. How does stripping the membranes feel to the mother? What exactly does the process of stripping membranes involve? Does stripping the membranes start labor? And are there any risks to this procedure?

What is Sweeping the Membranes?

When your provider strips your membranes, this is done via a vaginal exam, typically very close to your due date. During the exam your provider will separate your amniotic sac from the cervix using his fingers.

You will typically feel some discomfort and it may feel like a longer and more painful vaginal exam than normal. It is not unusual to have some spotting for severals days after you have had your membranes stripped.

Does Stripping the Membranes Start Labor?

For years, providers used this technique routinely since they believed it would stimulate contractions. However new research published in the June 2008 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology does not bear this out. This research shows that stripping the membranes does not shorten the pregnancy or prevent a mother from going past her due date.

Are there any RIsks in Stripping the Membranes?

The same research study above has confirmed that if a mother's cervix is dilated 1cm or more then sweeping or stripping her membranes may increase the chances of breaking the bag of waters. Unintentionally breaking the mother's water can create a need to start labor and may include a host of other complications such as the need for pitocin, antibiotics if labor is prolonged and potentially a greater chance of a caesarean.

Questions to Ask

Some providers strip their patients' membranes routinely if the mother goes past her due date, so it is always a good idea to check with your provider prior to any vaginal exam to verify whether or not she is planning to perform this procedure. Remember that all medical procedures should be done with the mother's prior consent and knowledge.

Do you need to have labor started? If there are medical indications that require an induction of labor, either medically or naturally, be sure to talk with your provider about your options. In most cases, it is perfectly normal to pass your due date by a week or more before it is necessary to stimulate labor.

The copyright of the article Stripping Membranes in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Brenda Lane. Permission to republish Stripping Membranes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Comments

Sep 17, 2008 7:57 PM
Guest :
my dr. did this procedure today and i have had strong contractions ever since on and off
Sep 23, 2008 5:42 PM
Guest :
The doctor did this procedure to me yesterday, (as of yesterday I was 5 days overdue) I was only dialated 1cm (enough to fit a fingertip in). It was intensely uncomfortable and quite painful and I have had no changes and no contractions since.
Sep 25, 2008 2:10 PM
Guest :
i dont know what my dr just did to me but i feel so agitated and in so much pain right now. if he stripped my membranes he damn sure didnt tell me. he told me that i was 2cm dilated. which i wasnt dilating at all.
Oct 1, 2008 7:32 AM
Guest :
My midwife did this to me yesterday and it was slightly uncomfortable, but not painful. She informed me that it would only help bring on labor, if my body was indeed ready for it. Last night, it seemed I was ready with regular and hard contractions, but this a.m. very intermitten. Guess I have to keep waiting. 8 days overdue today.
Oct 5, 2008 9:33 PM
Guest :
My Dr did this to me two days ago and nothing has happen. But it was so painful to get done I wanted to burst into tears. And my cervix is still closed
Oct 6, 2008 9:52 PM
Guest :
I had this done today in L&D. I am over due and I hope that I will be able to start labour with out having to be induced. I am afriad to be induced becuase I don't think my body is ready.
Oct 8, 2008 6:42 PM
Guest :
Had this done today, (fully effaced, baby's at 0, and 4 cm dialated), was uncomfortable but nothing compared to a real contraction... so far only very intermitten contractions and no bloody show. We'll see what the rest of the night brings.
Oct 23, 2008 11:29 AM
Guest :
I had my memberanes stripped yesterday morning at 37 1/2 weeks and I had lots of cramping last night and this morning. I also think I lost my mucous plug. I think the cramping is getting less and less and I was hoping to go into labor. I am supposed to call my doctor in the morning and give her an update?
Oct 23, 2008 9:27 PM
Guest :
I believe my OB did strip my membranes today - she didn't tell me that but being a Neonatal Nurse, I kind of figured what was going on as it was a much more invasive and painful internal exam than usual. So far, I just hurt down there - but no real contractions yet.
Oct 24, 2008 8:36 AM
Guest :
After delivering 3 times with midwives, I delivered a 4th child with an OB who stripped my membranes without explaining or justifying the procedure. I was in active labor and dilated to a 7 at the time, but the procedure was terribly painful and unsettling. I was willing to forgive it at the time merely because of the distress of advanced natural labor. However, since then, and especially recently, OB research has confirmed my suspicions that this procedure has an insignificant effect on progression of labor and that it is generally unnecessary and stressful for the mother.
Oct 25, 2008 9:05 AM
Guest :
i had this done at 38 weeks, and i went into labor 24 hours later.
Oct 27, 2008 2:21 PM
Guest :
I'm 38 weeks today and already 4 cm dilated and 50% effaced. My doc stripped my membranes today saying it would advance labor.. i didn't realize what "stripping" actually meant in terms of separating the bag of waters from my cervix!!! I also have had a lot of swelling in my entire body and am ready to have this baby!!! I wonder if what she did will make any difference at all?
Nov 3, 2008 8:19 PM
Guest :
I have discussed not wanting to be induced with my doctor, however he has had his own plans. Two days before my due date I went in for a check up and he "checks to see if I was dialated", I specifially asked if he was removing my plug and he says no, mind you he checked me the week before as well, so I knew it felt more painful. Then he sends me for a biopshycial profile the next day only to find my daughter is 3 weeks premature. In the ten minutes it took me to drive home, less than 24 hrs after he decided to play GOD, I lost my plug. If there was something wrong with her I would not have been so cross with him. He still scheduled me for an induction a L&D today (didn't go). This is my sixth child, and my convictions are the same now as they were on the first God will present this child when he has it ready. She is kicking it up and lettin me know she is alive and well! I believe that doctors should respect the patient, and in delivery they are there to assist and take further action in case of emergancy. The good Lord above has been putting children on this earth longer than we had doctors. I am furious with my doctor because he felt that medical box was more important than the patient. Why is it that processes like this are done so needlessly and so frequently now?
Nov 4, 2008 7:50 AM
Guest :
I am 38 weeks and a couple of days and my doctors want me to strip the membranes. I am not so sure I want to do this..but I havent had a the perfect pregnancy. I have had extreme high protein but my kidneys are functioning great. So, I am going to question and see why they want to do this..but I am with that one lady..God is in control and there is a reason she is staying in the womb..So I am torn!
Nov 4, 2008 8:35 PM
Guest :
For the woman who is expecting her 6th child, you'd think the doctor would consider you the expert by now! goodness gracious. sounds like many of these doctors don't believe patients have the brains to make any decisions for themselves. My naturopath will sometimes strip the membranes, but only at the 28th week or later and only if you feel comfortable with it. Why on earth a doctor would do it during labor, is beyond me as well. Sounds like people who hear of a good thing and try to apply it in every situation, even when not applicable. I am considering trying it this pregnancy to hopefully avoid a repeat c-section. If i go over, it's an automatic c-section for me.
Nov 5, 2008 7:01 PM
Guest :
I had this done today on my due date and it was extremely painful to me. I was told that I am 3 cm dilated and he was going to strip the membranes, I wanted to scream it hurt so bad. As of so far today there have been no changes except a lot of painful cramping. I won't let them do it again that's for sure, I'll just wait it out!
Nov 13, 2008 9:20 AM
Guest :
I had it done with my first son and within two hours my water broke.
Nov 21, 2008 4:51 PM
Guest :
i had mine stripped yesterday due to my blood pressure being so high. my midwife did warn me that there would be a lot of pressure, but that wasnt the half of it. it hurt so bad! I've been having really hard contractions randomly and everytime i move but nothing regular. they were trying to get me to go into labor over the weekend instead of inducing me, though they due have a date to induce me early in the week. i dont know how many more days of these pains i can take. i dont see how its helping my blood pressure issue. i really dont know what to do.
Nov 21, 2008 6:15 PM
Guest :
I was told by my midwife that if I go a week past my due date she will begin stripping my membranes so hopefully I will go into labor before that happens I am 39 weeks. It does not sound like a pleasant procedure and I already hate the feeling of pelvic exams. I wish everyone luck.
Nov 22, 2008 9:28 PM
Guest :
I am 39 weeks and 4 days. I am pregnant with my 3rd child. I had never heard of this procedure until yesterday while the Dr. was doing it. It was not that painful, just very uncomfortable. It has been over 32 hrs now. I have been having minor cramping and some bleeding but no contractions. I am suppose to be induced in 2 days and since I have been through that before and it took so long I had hoped this would help. I have never had a smooth pregnancy and this has had to have been the worst. I would just like it to be over with!
Nov 25, 2008 2:53 PM
Guest :
I had my membranes stripped today and so far I haven't felt a thing. I am 5 days overdue and only 1 cm dialated. The procedure was slightly uncomfortable, but not painful at all and it only took a few seconds.
Dec 9, 2008 1:11 PM
Guest :
I just had my membranes stripped today, I'm 38 weeks and 2 days, it did not hurt and I have had on and off contractions all afternoon but nothing regular yet.
Dec 13, 2008 7:04 AM
Guest :
I had mine done yesterday. I was 38 weeks and 2 days. He said that when he checked me I was 4 centimeters dilated. and 60% effaced. he said that my cerix was really soft and stretchy.. and he stretched my to 5 centimeters. He said that he would give me a week. and If I hadn't gone into labor by than that he would be surprised.. this is my first child.. which I find kind of strange
Dec 15, 2008 11:04 AM
Guest :
I'm due this Thursday (Dec. 18th 08), and when I went to the doctor this morning she stripped my membranes. I was only dilated a "very tight 2" and when she done the exam it hurt like hell! My contractions are a little stronger now but I doubt they'll improve very much. I'm hoping this does something and he comes out soon or else I'll be in the hospital on Christmas!!
Dec 15, 2008 3:12 PM
Guest :
I am 38 weeks and 1 day. My doctor today stripped my membranes, I am 4 cm dialated and 80% effaced, the baby is at a 0 station. Hopefully this works, I even went for a 3 mile walk with my mother to try and have something happen. No matter what anyone says this procedure is NOT painful, just uncomfortable.
Dec 15, 2008 3:13 PM
Guest :
I am 38 weeks and 1 day. My doctor today stripped my membranes, I am 4 cm dialated and 80% effaced, the baby is at a 0 station. Hopefully this works, I even went for a 3 mile walk with my mother to try and have something happen. No matter what anyone says this procedure is NOT painful, just uncomfortable.
Dec 17, 2008 12:14 AM
Guest :
I don't know--worked for me! I was 11 days past my due date and my OB stripped my membranes. We were back 12 hours later with contractions 3 1/2 minutes apart. I think it definitely helped me avoid an induction.
Dec 29, 2008 8:50 PM
Guest :
My doctor did this today. It was really painful. I have been having really bad stomach cramps all day...
Jan 13, 2009 3:25 PM
Guest :
I had this procedure done twice and it really wasnt that bad just a little uncomfortable. I am now 38 weeks and still waiting so hopefully this will be it for me!!
Jan 22, 2009 9:29 AM
Guest :
My doc did this to me today and I found it uncomfortable, but not painful. I've been having moderate contractions ever since. I'm 39 1/2 weeks and only 2 cm dilated. Hope it works!
Jan 24, 2009 11:35 AM
Guest :
I am 9 days overdue, at 1.5cm, after a 24hr stay in the hospital on Cervadil with limited results I opted to come home and wait it out a bit more (instead of trying Pitocin). Baby looked perfect on an ultrasound, and my blood pressure/health is great. Before going home my doc stripped my membranes which was uncomfortable, hurt a bit but was not terrible, there is a bit of blood afterward and you may see some of the membranes come out a bit clotted and spotty. Overall it is a quick 'procedure' lasting a couple of minutes. The next day I am still not having regular contractions. Hopefully walking and other natural methods will work.
Jan 26, 2009 6:42 PM
Guest :
I am 39 weeks and 3 days today. I am having an over ten pound baby, so my midwife wanted to move things along alittle more quickly. I am 2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced. So last night she stripped my membranes. Let me tell you that hurt like no other. BUT on the other hand...I am contracting now! They are two minutes long and 16 minutes apart...looks like it may have worked? But its hard to tell I supposed if it was just coincidence.
Feb 3, 2009 10:38 AM
Guest :
I am 39 weeks and 5 days today. I'm only 1 cm dialated and was told I was slightly effaced. My doctor stripped my membrane today! I found it to be uncomfortable but only slightly painful. I didn't notice a difference from any other prior exam I've been given during my pregnancy. We'll see if it helps the process of labor!
Feb 18, 2009 12:53 PM
Guest :
I am 4 days overdue and my docs have been stripping my cervix evry week for 4 weeks and Im am barely at 2cm. I think Ive had 3 different docs do it & only one hurt really bad (that doc was rough & insensitive!!) I had really bad menstral like cramps for the rest of the day & the next morn and lost a little more of my plug and now i feel fine again. If I could go back I would not do that again. I think its the luck of the drawl!! Good luck ladies!!
Feb 20, 2009 12:40 PM
Guest :
Obviously if your doctor strips your membranes it is based on imperical scientifically proven evidence that the doctor truely believes. I had mine done today (I am 7 days overdue)and sure it hurt while he was doing it, but it is nothing compared to labour or being uncomfortable for more days than nessecary.
Feb 27, 2009 3:40 PM
Guest :
I had this done today - IT WAS NOT PAINFUL AT ALL! -I don't understand why this seems to be a problem for so many, maybe I'm just lucky - It has never been painful and I have delivered 3 children within 48 hours of the procedure. Here's to number four...
Mar 4, 2009 10:31 AM
Guest :
my dr. did this procedure yesterday and two ago. i'm only dialated 3cm. i have only had two contraction.
Mar 27, 2009 10:20 AM
Guest :
Hello! I had my membranes stripped last Friday March 20th at 3:45pm at 38 weeks. When I got to the doctor I was dialated to three. I had my son that night at 8:30pm. I'd definitely say in my experience it worked but as with anything everyone is different and if you are miserable and can't seem to have the baby I'd try it again... But CAUTION it does hurt!!
Mar 28, 2009 8:40 AM
Guest :
THis is my 3rd baby and the first time I have ever had my membranes stripped. I had been having strong contractions for 3 days (still only 3cm)before my doctor did it. All exams have been hard with this one (not with the other 2) but I was caught off guard by the pain, which only lasted for another minute.
It has been 24 hours since he stripped my membranes and so far the contractions have slowed down alot (almost completely) and nothing natural has helped either. I am very frustrated and depressed just waiting for things to finally happen.
Unfortunatly a hard ending to a hard pregnancy.
Apr 1, 2009 7:24 AM
Guest :
I just had my membranes stipped this AM and I've had a few hard contractions since. I am 4 CM and 90% effaced. It was a lot of pressure but it didn't hurt per se. This preganancy has been very easy and all of my OBs (I have four total at my practice) have been wonderful. In reading some of the other comments, NO ONE should ever have an OB that does anything painful or doesn't tell them what's going on. SHAME SHAME on those OBs, total jerks. ANd NO ONE should let their OB schedule them for an induction, babies only put on a few OUNCES when they go past 40 weeks, the person who said 1/2 lb per week is totally WRONG. Stripping CAN hurt but it should never be done unless your actually dilating. That's when it hurts, the OB has to stick their finger through a tightly closed cervix and that WOULD hurt. I'm due in four days but as the head is at 0 station, I figured why not.
Apr 14, 2009 12:12 PM
Guest :
My Dr. did this to me with my first child and I went into labor within 24 hrs. I do not believe that it is painful but I will say it is a little uncomfortable. I am pregnant again and I would rather my Dr. try the stripping then inducing me. I guess it is different for everyone.
Apr 23, 2009 7:21 PM
Guest :
Guest: April 23,2009
I'm 39 weeks today and I had my membranes stripped and I can say it doesn't hurt it just a little uncomfortable but o.k. but I haven't had any major contraction yet just maybe 1 to 2 but I dialated 2cm and I'm just really ready for my baby to come and I guess he's not. This is my first time ever hearing about stripping the membrane and I just wanted to know does it really work.My due date is 04-28-09.
Apr 24, 2009 11:34 AM
Guest :
Natural childbirth was a picnic compared to what my doctor did to me before delivery! Four days before my due date, my doctor used a sharp instrument like an icepick to strip my membranes (without asking me). I was dilated at 8 cm. By the time he finished with me, the nurses had to help me get dressed. I couldn't stand up straight and had to hold onto the building to make it to my car without falling down. I was bleeding horribly and felt like I had a giant papercut inside my body. It hurt to sit, stand, walk, lie down, you name it. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
May 5, 2009 12:04 PM
Guest :
I had my membranes stripped by my dr. at my appointment 5 days before my due date. It was pretty uncomfortable/slightly painful, but over in less than 30 seconds. My appointment was at 3:30 pm. I was 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced.

Prior to that, I had only had miled Braxton Hicks contractions. I woke up with painful contractions just before 1:00 am & I delivered just before 6 am. This was my first baby, and a really quick labor! I think my body was ready, and stripping my membranes put me into labor. I was thrilled not to go over my due date!
May 13, 2009 7:19 PM
Guest :
I had this done with my first pregnancy and it was uncomfortable not very painful, but it surely didnt work for me..
May 19, 2009 3:27 PM
Guest :
I went to my doctor while 9 days past due, and the doctor performed this while doing a routine cervical exam, catching me by surprise as I felt my insides cramp and feel like the skin between my fingers was being torn apart....For the next day after, I have barely been able to stand up or lie on my side, and am in extreme pain, with bleeding...I have read somewhere that the procedure should be performed slowly over 15-20 minutes, but with me it was a fast 30 second deal, and I feel terrible. This is my second baby and honestly I will never agree to this procedure again. No contractions resulted, only cramps and pain and bleeding.....and now I wonder how I will be able to push when my insides feel like they have been beaten up? My last delivery was easy 4 hours, with quick pushing....but I am nervous about pushing with this preexisting pain now......
May 20, 2009 7:44 AM
Guest :
Yesterday my midwife stripped my membranes, I asked her to because I'm 3cm dilated. This morning my mucus and bloody show came out. I'm so excited. Last pregnancy when she did this my water broke 6 days later.
Jun 2, 2009 7:18 PM
Guest :
To those who think the stripping of the membranes is 'beyond painful', how in the world do you plan on giving birth?! This is my second child, I'm 38 weeks and had mine stripped today, yes it's a bit uncomfortable, but it's just a little way of helping Mother Nature along.
Jun 8, 2009 1:31 PM
Guest :
i am 38 1/2 weeks pregnant and 3 cm dilated. My doctor stripped my membranes today and i really didn't think it was painful at all. i have been having contractions today and i am excited to see what happens! If nothing happens....i am being induced on friday!
Jun 16, 2009 12:23 PM
Guest :
I am 38 weeks today, 4cm dilated and 90% effaced. I had my membranes swepped this morning and yes, it was uncomfortable, but not terribly painful. The way I look at it is, if I couldn't handle this procedure, how could I expect to handle labour?
I was diagnosed with a short cervix at 30 weeks (I was 0.7cm at that point) and was put on bed rest. I lost my mucus plug 2 weeks ago, and still nothing! Here's hoping this membrane sweep triggers something today. My OB even felt the baby's head and the bag of waters (I was hoping she would break it when she felt it). lol Come on contractions!!
Jun 18, 2009 8:29 AM
Guest :
I have a feeling my midwife did this at my appointment yesterday because I had an extremely painful internal check (I am 40 weeks, 1 day and requested to be checked) - although I did NOT want a sweep or stretch which is exactly what it felt like. I must say that the pain/comfort level of this procedure entirely depends on the persons pain threshold/tolerance AND the doctor or midwife who performs the procedure! Remember that in labor you normally build up to the high pain level and your mind/body is given a chance to acclimate itself to this - it is not (normally) an all of a sudden mad rush of pain, unless you are unlucky!!
Jun 23, 2009 8:17 AM
Guest :
I have mixed feelings on this procedure, seems to work for some and not others - so maybe it is more of a coincidence than anything if it appears to work? I had my membranes stripped three times over two weeks with my first child and nothing, I was finally induced at 41 weeks and two days overdue. I am now 39 weeks with my second child and I had my membranes stripped yesterday - it is very uncomfortable but I wouldn't say painful. Nothing seems to be happening this time either. But I will try ANYTHING to try and have this baby and will keep trying until I have to be induced again. He is big just like my first, so the sooner he is out, the better for me!
Jun 29, 2009 5:22 PM
Guest :
I had to meet the last Dr. in the practice I go to today and I think he stripped my membrane today... it was a longer and more painful exam. I also was bleeding immedietly afterwards... and not just a little blood like a normal exam. I am also unsure if I lost my mucus plug at this point? There was a lot of blood on my lap gown and a "glob" also? Does this sound like the mucus plug to anyone? This is our first child. I am 38 wks and 2 days, 3cm and @ 90%. Also have been cramping and Braxton Hicks for 2 days now...
Jul 10, 2009 4:02 PM
Guest :
I had this done with both my pregnancies at 40 weeks and I went into labor within 24 hours both times. It's not pleasant, but I'd rather have it than pitocin. I wouldn't be too happy if my doctor did a procedure like this without asking me first though.
Jul 15, 2009 3:55 PM
Guest :
i think my doctor did this to me yesterday without telling me...it was much longer than a normal exam and it was very painful although i did not spot afterwards i was in pain all night from it...im not even overdue yet im 38 weeks.
Jul 16, 2009 11:20 AM
Guest :
i went in for a check up today and am 2 cm dilated 80% effaced and my doctor stripped my membranes during my check up. she didn't give me an option she just said she was doing it and then did it. so far only cramps and some brown spotting... assuming its my plug. due date is saturday so hopefully something will happen soon
Jul 16, 2009 6:55 PM
Guest :
no one ever said pregnancy would be easy, and it's a lot less painful than labor, at least for me it is. this is our 2nd child. i had mine stripped today, a little uncomfortable but not too horrible. it's not 100% guaranteed to work, which nothing is. so any one who has it done don't get your hopes up, bc every medical thing will tell you that it only works if your body is ready for it to.
Jul 17, 2009 12:09 PM
Guest :
Iam 40 weeks and 2 cm I had the stripping done to me 24 hours ago I feel some contraction but nothing yet, I had this done with my first child and I gave birth with in 2 days. I hope it works : )
Jul 24, 2009 9:11 PM
Guest :
Pretty sure I got mine stripped today- would have been nice to know before hand... I immediately started bleeding on the table and then the doctor sent me to labor and delivery at the hospital for an hour to be monitored..it was there, that the labor nurse told me sounds like she stripped my membranes... and I'm 0 cm dilated and it was pretty uncomfortable and painful. Now I'm just sore.
Jul 29, 2009 11:05 AM
Guest :
Had this procedure done today to help "speed things along". My midwife said if I'm not ready, this won't work. I am 38 weeks and have had a great pregnancy. I hope it works! This is my 4th baby and have had this procedure done by an OB in the past. Didn't do much but I thought I'd try again.
Jul 29, 2009 6:48 PM
Guest :
I had this procedure done today by my midwife. I must admit it hurt more than I thought it would but the pain was over as soon as it came. I haven't had any contractions but I have been experiencing alot of cramping and spotting. I have been 1 cm dialated for almost three weeks and was only 50 % effaced today. Hopefully something happens soon. My due date is Monday and I really hope I dont go over!! Good Luck to everyone!!!
Aug 6, 2009 2:55 PM
Guest :
On my 5th child- stripping membranes always worked pretty well for me- but the most success Ive had in starting labor is sex lol. I learned after the second one I could pick the day I wanted to go in labor, have sex, and have a successful birth lol- its worth a try!
Aug 11, 2009 2:57 PM
Guest :
I'm 39 week 5 days and had my membranes stripped at my doctor appt. yesterday. It did hurt, but I'm up for anything to get things going. I was dialated to 1, 80% effaced and -3 station. After this procedure, I lost my plug and had my bloody show within 2 hours and contractions (12 minutes apart) began shortly after then subsided after 3 hours. Contractions reoccurred throughout the night in various degrees of intensity, but I'm still waiting for consistent contractions under 10 minutes apart before I'll really think something is happening. In the meantime, I've found that walking has helped bring on more contractions.
Aug 13, 2009 6:55 AM
Guest :
I had this done precedure done yesterday and it was a bit painful. I am 38.5 weeks dilated to a 3+. I felt very crampy afterwards but no contractions yet. I'm hoping this procedure will start something this weekend because if not I choose the day to induce me and I heard that is a more painful way of child birth
Aug 20, 2009 4:05 PM
Guest :
i had this done with all three of my children. The first time nothing happened. 2nd time my water broke, and i delivered 6 hours later, and the last time. I was at 2cm and they strip membranes i had my son 4 hours ater. so it has worked for me twice.
Sep 23, 2009 7:14 AM
Guest :
I went to L&D last Friday and my doctor wasn't on call so I saw another doctor. Another Doctor checked me and I just turned 37 weeks that day and I was 1 cm and 80%. When she checked me I noticed the exam was so much more painful and uncomfortable than any other one I have had. when I saw my doctor Tuesday she told me what the other doctor did. I cant believe I was only 37 weeks and no one told me, they just did it! Since then I started to lose my mucus plug but no contractions and no changes in dilation...
Oct 9, 2009 8:36 PM
Guest :
I am 38 and 5 days and today I had my membranes stripped. It didnt really hurt just very uncomfortable and plus I really dont like the vaginal exams I am pretty sure that no one does. Since then I have contractions on and off but nothing strong. Me and my husband are really waiting on our little one especially since this is our first baby. I am 3cm dilated able to stretch to 4 and 90% effaced. Hopefully soon he will get here and grace us with his presence and show us what raising him is all about.
Oct 19, 2009 9:37 AM
Guest :
i was due on september 28th. on october 1st i went back to the doctor and i was 1cm dialated, same as the week before, she explain what stripping my membrains would do, and i actually didnt believe it would work. quite uncomfortable, but the moment i left i could feel it. the contractions got worse throughout the day. i ended up having her the next day at 1pm. 22 hours since i left the doctor. it worked for me! :]
Oct 27, 2009 7:43 AM
Guest :
As a Lamaze Certified Childbirth educator I have been warning mothers about this prodecure for years. It is so routine and done with permission much of the time! It has no basis in medical research. It is merely an attempt to hurry things along. Moms have spotting, backache and cramps. Ladies let labor begin on its own!

Great website!
Oct 31, 2009 5:49 PM
Guest :
I'm 5 days past due date and had membrane swept yesterday. Now I'm leaking amniotic fluid and they want me to come into labor and delivery for monitoring.
Nov 29, 2009 8:04 AM
Guest :
DON"T LET THEM! I was overdue and doc stripped my membranes without my knowledge. Next day my water broke. Still no labor. The next day they insisted on induction because they said infection could get into my uterus with the membranes not intact. Duh! Apparently my body was not ready because the induction failed after 24 hours they did a C-section. Baby was smaller than expected so my so-called due date was incorrect. Long story short, a horrible traumatic experience. I wish they had just left me alone to do what my body would have done naturally.
Dec 3, 2009 9:43 PM
Guest :
i'm 38 weeks today. my OB swept my membrane. it was fairly painful and i wasn't dilated at all. i had painful contractions on and off for hours later, but now they've sort of died down.
Dec 24, 2009 4:05 PM
Guest :
i had my first sweep at 37 +5 and lost my mucus plug then another one today at 38 + 6. since i had my first one i lost bits of my plug and then a huge clump of it. i was having pains before it but after it all my pains and contractions stopped.. then for the past few days iv had contractions but they keep stopping. i have tried rasperry leaf tea, sex, walking, nipple stimulation EVERYTHING
today i had another sweep and have lost more mucas but no pains so far. i am 3cm dilated and the babies head is engaged. this is my 3rd baby. hope he comes soon hopefully not dring xmas dinner 2 morrow LOL
sex defo brings on contractions for as every time myself and partner have intercourse i get very strong painful contractions after wards but they always stop after a few hours. i think it is the semen and the orgasms that cause it. the tea is softening my cervix my midwife says and nipple stimulation wil help to make my contractions stronger once established.
Dec 30, 2009 6:25 PM
Guest :
I had this procedure done yesterday at 39wks and 2 days. I felt nothing, it was like the doctor didnot do anything. Felt discomfort for a couple of hours post.Went for a long walk to get things happening but nothing. This is not a guaranteed procedure that you will go into labour post. my doctor explained that to me. It may or maynot work depends on the individual just as how some people may find it a little uncomfortalbe and others may find it excrutiatingly painful.
Jan 6, 2010 4:15 PM
Guest :
I had my membranes stripped at 38 weeks and 4 days. I was 2cm at 10:00 that morning. My midwife stripped my membranes and I had my son that night at 11:53.
Jan 15, 2010 6:08 PM
Guest :
I am 40 weeks today, went for my doc appointment this past wednesday and I was 80% effaced and 2-3 cm dialated and have been having constant braxtons since weeks 33. My midwife wanted to strip my membranes and I was all for it I'd like her here soon but once she started checking me it was all I could do not to scream so I didnt let her strip me. She thinks I will go on my own anyday now but we have an induction schedualed for this next friday just incase....if my check this next week doesnt hurt too much I may let them try again to see if it helps. But even without the stripping I still lost my plug and had the bloody show so we may not need it ^_^
Jan 28, 2010 4:29 PM
Guest :
I think that all of these women should specify how their doctors went about stripping their membranes. I have never felt so much pain and violated after my Dr intended to do this procedure and am VERY ANGRY!!! I think what made it so painful was the fact that she didn't really explain what she was going to do first off, and second she was pressured with time therefore rushed the whole thing. So with that said, if a Dr decides to even bring this up, make sure they are comunicative and have time to do this, otherwise stay away from this procedure....it was horrible :(
Jan 28, 2010 7:29 PM
Guest :
i had my membranes stripped with my second child and it didnt hurt at all. i cramped a little afterwards and in a couple of days i was in labor and had her in about 2 hours!
Feb 1, 2010 12:50 PM
Guest :
ok, though getting your membrane in Not a comfortable thing it is not like you are dying. I've gotten it done the last three weeks and i have continued to progress after each time. I am now 40 weeks and 1 day and she did it again today. I am experiencing cramping and bleeding, but it's doing something. If you are against it maybe you should present it to your physician at the start of your appts when they check you.
Feb 5, 2010 1:00 PM
Guest :
I had my membranes stripped at 39 weeks with my last pregnancy, and it didn't hurt any more than the normal uncomfortableness of a vaginal exam. I went into labor less than 12 hours from that time, and had a natural birth. I was already 3.5 cm and effaced when the membranes were stripped, perhaps that helped. I have gestational diabetes and the risks of being past due get to be very high in my case - so naturally stimulating hormones is a much better alternative to me than chemical inductions. I intend to have my membranes stripped in a few days, also 3.5 cm now, when I am 39 weeks to hopefully get this baby coming along, as well. I understand if some women don't want it done, and I don't think a doctor should force it on you - but I do think it was a very good alternative to chemical induction and hey, labor hurts - but if you need to get going I strongly endorse this method!
Feb 8, 2010 11:26 AM
Guest :
Today my doc did an exam on me..im 2 cm...but this time it was very painful...not like normal exams..and she didnt tell me what she was doing! well when i got hope..i started bleeding way more then normal..and there were lil chunks of red stuff...so far ive only been feeling like im on my period....so we will se what happens!
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