Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

I am 40 weeks tomorrow and have my first internal--my OB said she would swipe the membranes if I want, to try to bring on labor. She said it is about 50% effective, and I've heard incredibly painful (she said "uncomfortable", but has never been PG!). Would you do it? Of course I am uncomfortable at 40 weeks, but no medical reason at this point to NEED to speed things up. My office will schedule an induction for next week if I don't go naturally before then.

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

If there is no medical reason to do it now then I personally wouldnt do it. I know its hard but I would try to wait it out.

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

My SIL had it done with her second pregnancy and it didn't help at all but she said it was more painful than she ever expected. My OB's office won't do it.

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

I had it done my last pregnancy at 39 weeks and it was so painful and I bled so much that I refused it at 40 weeks and had them specifically note in my chart this pregnancy that I DO NOT want it done.

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

my OB did it with my first pregnancy, it was very uncomfortable and it didn't work for me but he did it around 37-38 weeks, maybe it will work for you.

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

I would personally opt against it. I am not into messing with nature unless necessary (like an induction). Have you tried doing things on your own to get things going?

On a side note, I can't believe you are 40 weeks!!!!

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

Sorry if this is a stupid question ... what does this mean? Swiping the membranes? Is that the same thing as them breaking your water

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

i would only do it as an alternative to an induction if that is the other option. I did this with my second, and I did have my baby the next day. But....it was a much harder and less effective labor than my first.

With my second, the baby started moving a lot less and my fluid was just below normal. Dr wasn't happy with baby's movement and fluid levels, and wanted to keep a close on me. told me to come back in 2 days. at that appointment, he said he had been hoping i was in early labor at the previous appointment, and that if i made it to this appointment, he intended on sending me to the hospital for an induction. but, my fluid was about the same, and baby was moving more, so he was willing to let me come back on monday if i hadnt had the baby by then. (this was friday). i asked about having my membranes swept, and he said if he did that, he was pretty sure i would have the baby that night or the next morning because i was already about 2.5-3cm dilated. so he did it, and i started having bad contractions on the way home. by that night, they were strong and 1 minute apart. but when i got to the hospital, i was only 3 cm. it stayed that way most of the night. i got pitocin at 9am and they broke my water, and then my baby was born at 10:59am.

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

I had my membranes stripped at 39 weeks and went into labor that night. I was 100% effaced and 3cm dilated.

ETA: It wasn't painful at all. A little uncomfortable, yes. Also, I lost my plug that past weekend and since I wasn't feeling good and the progress was slow, the doctor wanted to speed up the labor.

Message edited 4/2/2012 1:34:15 PM.

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

Doc did it at 38 weeks. Nothing exciting to report. I go back tonight for 39 week appt and I'm going to ask again. Baby is measuring big so they would like for me to go into labor before due date

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

It worked for me, dr stripped them on a Thursday and I ent into labor 2 days later. It was uncomfortable but it wasn't too painful!

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

I had it done at 38 weeks, wasn't too painful. Just very uncomfortable, but what isn't uncomfortable at 38 weeks. I had my DD the next day.

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

i decided not to do it, and just had the internal. i am 3cm, 50% effaced. we scheduled an induction for next week if I don't go naturally before then, but hopefully he'll make an appearance on his own!

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

I can't believe you're 40 weeks. Good luck!

Re: Swiping the membranes? Yes or no?

i just got it done today again. OUCH. Now I have some bleeding and mucous. I hope it's part of my mucous plug!