Labor can be a natural experience, but in some cases it needs to be induced in order to protect the mother, baby or both. Labor is induced to ensure that safety is the top priority and it is done in many different ways to imitate natural labor and result in contractions. Stripping membranes to induce labor is just one method that exists.
What is Induced Labor?
Labor starts at the time that contractions begin. Contractions are the opening or dilating of the uterus. It is not completely understood what causes this process to naturally occur, but they are some methods that can be used to imitate contractions and induce labor.
What Are The Reasons To induce Labor?
There are many reasons that doctors opt to induce labor using the technique of stripping membranes. However, the most common reasons are connected to medical conditions that could put the health of the mother or baby at risk. During these labors, it is important to have full control. The most common conditions that are linked to induced labor include high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or simply being weeks overdue.
Which Method Is Used?
There are numerous ways to induce labor and all have varying degrees of effectiveness. There are natural ways that women can try to induce their labor, but the more effective methods are normally done in a hospital and have more success.
What is Sweeping or Stripping of the Membranes?
This is a common method that is used to induce labor and is done by your doctor only. This method is performed during a vaginal examination and involves moving the exam finger over the membranes to remove them from the edge of the cervix. This procedure is very fast and is designed to stimulate labor and make contractions apparent.
How Effective is the Stripping of Membranes?
This method to induce labor is fairly popular, but the actual effectiveness of this technique is still debated. This procedure is really fast to complete, but it is not very comfortable for pregnant mothers to endure. In some cases, spotting and cramping can take place after this procedure. However, if the stripping of the membranes works, you can be in labor with just 24 hours. This method is not effective in all women, but it has been seen to induce labor in some. This method is often worth a try for those looking to induce labor.
