Stripping the Membranes to Bring on Labor

I had it done with all 3 of mine. My first son, I went into labor later that day. My second one, 2 days later. My 3rd, it had no effect and I was induced a week later.

The stripping itself is uncomfortable, but I wouldn't say painful. You won't go into labor unless you're ready!

My opinion, don't do it. It brought on slight contractions for me, but they went away. The real contractions started later, and that is when my body and baby were ready. Stripping the membranes is pretty uncomfortable, and not worth it.

It's a big risk. It was offered to me with my second child, and I declined. When the OB offered, she also said that she would deny that she did it - so, it's obviously not a commonly accepted practice in the OB/GYN community, probably because of the accompanying risks.

One of my labors started naturally just past the due date. The other had to be induced after my water broke.

I'm a big believer in letting the baby come when it's ready unless there are medical reasons not to and to induce the labor. I'm actually really surprised at how many OB's offer things like this - I think it's less for the mother's comfortability and more for the OB's convenience. One of my friends was scheduled for induction the day after her due date because the OB didn't want her Easter plans interrupted. I have a hard time with that when you knowingly go into an unpredictable profession.

don't do it. less is the best way to go. bring out the breast pump and have sex. safer ways to do it

I would just let your body do everything naturally, your child when come when he or she is ready.

I had this done, and it wasn't painful for me, but it also did not bring on labor. But I have heard others say it was quite painful (I haven't read the other answers yet).

I had it done at 38 and 39 weeks, because I was 2 cm beginning at about 36 weeks. I was 41 and had gestational diabetes, so the doctor was concerned, and I honestly cannot blame him, especially when one contemplates that OB/GYN doctors have the highest rate of malpractice suits brought against them, many of which are not their fault.

Anyway, I did have pain. In fact, for me it was very painful. The first time was so painful that my body's reaction was to vomit. From the other posts, it seems like my reaction is the exception to the rule.

It did not break my water. My OB did that in the hospital when I was induced. Ended up with a c-section, but that was because my boy's head was (and still is) enormous!! LOL.

Just try to remember this: It does not matter how the child gets into the world, what matters is that the child and mom are healthy and safe.

I had this done with my first and it did not put me into labor and yes it was painful.

I had it done with my second. It was very painful but fast. I went into labor the next day.

I had mine stripped with my second and it was only a couple of days later and my water broke and went into labor. It was a little discomfort my not too bad. I have heard from people I have know that had to have them stripped a few times before they went into labor. I only had to do it once. So good luck and making your decision.

I had this done after contractions started but things were progressing slowly. It didn't hurt much (especially compared to the contractions). But it didn't seem to hurry things up much either. This was my first baby and I was very tired and sick with a cold during the labor. I eventually had a c-section for failure to progress after 18 hours. I am not a big fan of messing with the labor process unless there is a good reason since it tends to increase the chances of a c-section. On the other hand, if you are in a situation where the choice is induction or c-section it is worth a shot to try the less invasive options first.

You hardly even notice they do it, and it is fast. I had it done at 37 weeks, 38, 39, 40, and 41 weeks with both of my pregnancies, and was induced at 42 weeks, so I in my experience it does nothing at all.

my doc stripped my membranes... a week later she tried again... then they tried to induce me a few days after my due date...finally went into labor on my own a couple days after that. lol. probably one of those things that sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Pretty uncomfortable to have done, but it doesn't last long, and its not THAT bad... I say go for it, never hurts to try!

Stripping the membranes does not actually put you into labor, but can bring it on shortly after if your body is ready. Rupturing the membranes will bring on labor, its uncomfortable and over quickly, worth trying over an induction and better than medication to get things moving along, like the cervical gel or other such things.

I had it done one afternoon, and I went into labor that night around 7 hours after I had it done. I was about a week overdue at that point. My labor was pretty long because I don't know if my body was truly ready. It did hurt, but it wasn't excruciating, more like uncomfortable really.

I had it done with my first pregnancy and yes it can work but only if you are really ready to go into labor. For me it was about 11 days before my due date, my baby had dropped and I was already at a 3. So he stripped my membranes which didn't hurt at all.......I actually I didn't even realize he had done it. It caused me to have some cramping or contractions and I started to spot (which is normal) that night. The next day I woke up feeling normal and thinking it didn't work but then around 5 or 6 that evening my water broke and by the next day I had had my baby girl. So yes if your doc is willing to do it I would get it done. It might just be that little push you need to get the labor started.

I had it done on my due date I was at 2cm, and it really didn't help anything along. I had it done on a Friday afternoon, and was back on Tuesday for an induction! No it didn't hurt at all :)

I did it with my second pregnancy...I honestly did not feel a thing. I was already 4 cm dilated, so I dont' know if that has anything to do with it, but it didn't hurt at all. It brought on labor within 2 hours, so it worked like a charm!

i had this done with my 2nd daughter. The doctor stripped my membranes and i went into labor 12 hours later and she was born 2 hours after that. If they do the procedure right, it should hurt. no too much pain, but uncomfortable. Good luck

I haven't read through the other responses, but wanted to comment on the risk factor that was mentioned just a couple of comments down; Like Jana said, it is really NOT risky, UNLESS you are Grp B strep positive. If you do have Grp B, studies over the past five years have found that it can often communicate to baby through weakening of the amniotic sac that can occasionally be caused by stripping of membranes. Honestly though, any dr of midwife worth their weight in beans should know this, so I'm assuming your dr would either not offer this if you are grp b +, or would refuse you if you asked.
Otherwise, go for it. For me, not that painful. Uncomfortable sure, painful no. Just like an invasive internal exam, and over in less than a minute. While it did not work for me, I know plenty of people that it worked for. And even though it didn't work for me in the past, I would happily try it again, especially if I were going overdue and looking for something to get things going and avoid the possibility of an induction.
GL!

I had it done on a friday morning. It was uncomfortable and cramping type pain after but nothing too bad. I went for a long walk that night and did a hand stand.. yes I'm crazy but I went into labor within hours after that :)

It is different for every person. For me it did not hurt at all and I delivered almost exactly 24 hours after having my membranes stripped. My sister on the other hand said it was extrememly painful and it did not work. I have a friend that tried it 3 times before it may have worked. Another friend went into labor and delivered the same day. It just depends on you and if your body is ready to go into labor. Best of luck. I would say it is worth a try.

I had this done with my first. It was very painful, but quick. I went into labor within 2 days of having it done. It doesnt make your water break before you go into labor either as one other person had stated. They had to break my water at the hospital after i had been in labor for like 4 hours. I was glad i had it done.