What exactly does "stripping membranes" mean?

Question

I'm 38 weeks and I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. I am sick to death of being pregnant and my friend suggested to me that I ask my doctor to "strip my membranes" at my next appointment. She says that since I'm technically full term I could ask my doctor any she'll most likely do it. What does stripping membranes mean and does it hurt?

Answer 1

I agree with the first answer.  Please note that it only induces labor in about 1 out of every 4 tries.  It does hurt for a moment, and then you will feel sore for the rest of the day.  If it's going to induce labor you will get contractions within a day.  

I had it done when I was 40 weeks with my first child.  It didn't work.  Still, if the doctor were to offer it to me again with this pregnancy, I would try it.  Good luck.

Answer 2

im getting this done on thursday.

Stripping Membranes

    There is a procedure your doctor or midwife can perform called "stripping" or "sweeping" your membranes. The healthcare professional will insert their finger(s) into your cervix and sweep

    from side to side, pulling the membranes (bag of water) away from the mouth of the cervix and the lower uterus, and in the process stretching and irritating your cervix. Sometimes this will generate local production of prostaglandins and enough of the necessary hormones to start labor. Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 attempts to begin labor. Many women find this to be a very uncomfortable, if not painful, procedure. This is a medical intervention and should be taken as seriously as any medical induction method.

o yea my doctor said your cervix has to be soft to do this otherwise it will be very hard for them to reach...