Stripping membranes at term: can it safely reduce the incidence of post-term pregnancies?
Article Abstract:
Membrane stripping, in which physicians digitally separate the chorionic membranes from the lower portion of the uterus, has been used in obstetric patients who are at full term to decrease the likelihood of post-term pregnancies. The technique is frequently used, but has not been rigorously studied in terms of safety and effectiveness. The outcome of stripping membranes was evaluated in 90 patients, who were also compared with 90 patients who did not undergo the procedure. All women had a low risk of complications and gestational ages were firmly established. Patients who underwent stripping had significantly fewer clinic visits due to earlier delivery, and the incidence of post-term pregnancies was significantly lower in this group. However, the mode of delivery was similar between the two groups. Except for spotting after membrane stripping, no complications could be attributed to the procedure. The study indicates that stripping membranes is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of post-term pregnancies. Reduced anxiety, fewer office visits, and fetal surveillance resulting from use of the procedure suggest that the benefits outweigh the risks. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0029-7844
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Parturitional factors associated with membrane stripping
Article Abstract:
Membrane stripping appears to be a safe method of inducing labor at term. It appears to work by stimulating phospholipase A2 activity. Membrane stripping refers to manually separating the amniotic membrane from the lower part of the uterus. Thirty patients who were at 38 weeks or more gestation were randomly assigned either to have membrane stripping, to have a cervical evaluation or to a control group without cervical evaluation. At the initial evaluation blood samples and cervical swabs were taken to be analyzed for evidence of infection. Participants also had uterine contraction monitoring. Cervical swabs of the membrane were completed for all patients to analyze phospholipase A2 activity. When participants returned in labor or for an induction of labor at 42 weeks' gestation, cervical and blood samples were again taken. There was an increase in uterine contractions three and four hours after the stripping procedure. Levels of phospholipase A2 and prostaglandins, both important elements in the progression of labor, were also elevated.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: