Tuesday, April 12, 2011

To Strip or Not to Strip

My doctor told me that at 38 weeks she is willing to "strip" my membranes. Interesting! Sounds sick, sounds painful...sounds naughty! I walked out of her office totally unsure. I did some research. I called Sheri, who then called all of her sisters. Still confused and unsure.

What do you think? Should I strip?

10 comments:

The Edwards Family said...

I say it is worth the chance that it will work. So as long as you are ready for her to be here, I say "to strip".

Michelle said...

I agree with Lori. It didn't work for me, but I think it's worth the try. And fyi.... it hurts. But I'm a baby and you can always tell them to stop if it's too much.

Melonie said...

Unless there is a health reason she needs to come out sooner, I would keep her in as long as she needs. These last few days she is growing so much and can do it so much better in than out.

Sheri said...

To strip for sure!!! It's not going to make it worse...yeah it might be a little painful but I'm sure it's nothing compared to all the pain you're in now and have been for 9 months now. It's worth the try. STRIP!!!

Lisa said...

I say go to term and then if Princess "P" has not made her entrance into this world....strip!

Jen said...

My doctor didn't offer, and Keaton showed up 9 days before his due date (thank goodness! I was ready to beg my doctor to speed things up).

I've heard that stripping can't do any harm, and it won't make the baby come any faster if she's not ready.

Soooooo excited for you! The newborn time goes really fast (although it doesn't feel like it at the time). Enjoy!!!!

Suzie said...

The whole strip thing is a mixed bag. It doesn't hurt to do it (well, it doesn't hurt the baby), but it for sure is good for the baby to stay in the womb as long as she needs to. Even though it sucks for you. It's all about having a healthy baby, right? BUT!!! I went 6 days over and that sucked more. I'd say if you haven't come within a few days of your due date, then strip so you don't go way over.

Christy said...

Do it! It is worth the chance of going early. My doctor did it once and I didn't know he did it until after. So it didn't hurt that bad obviously. Plus you are so miserable at this point what is a little more discomfort?

I am so excited for you!!

Our Family said...

Do it. My doctor stripped me twice with my first and it didn't do a thing. But when they stripped me with my second I immediately went into labor. It's not the greatest feeling let's be honest. But, it is worth it when it works.

Tamsen said...

My two cents is "no." Delivery is generally much smoother (and easier recovery) when you let baby decide when to present herself. That being said, I had my membranes stripped with #3 (when I was at 41 weeks!). I was already at a "3," but wasn't having any contractions yet. I went from a 3 to about a 6-7 right there in the office. Wowsa! That didn't feel too great, but nice to finally get my baby to arrive a few hours later :).