There is definately a difference between the two, right? My dr stretched my cervix after he checked and I was at 1 cm today at my appt. OMG did that hurt, and I am still in pain. I've never had it done before with the other boys, so I hope it does something! I am sooooo done. My bp was funny, too. On my right arm it was 99/82 on my left it was 128/79. Otherwise I still haven't gained any weight. So stretching is just stretching the cervix, and stripping is separating the amniotic sac from the cervix, right?

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I have never heard of a dr stretching a cervix, although I am sure it happens often. I have only had my membranes stripped, and never benefited from it anyways =( I can imagine that stretching your cervix would really hurt!!!

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~Angela~

Expecting #5!!

Callie ~ 11



Evann~ 5 and Gavinn ~ 3


Ryann Addison 05-09-2008

Lurking (I'm a birth junkie and couldn't resist!)...

Some use strip, sweep and stretch interchangeably so it's hard to say whether one is more painful than another. Things like the position of your cervix (anterior, midline, or posterior) or dilation can factor in to the pain level. Also, I had it done once in each pregnancy with dif't care providers and one was far more vigorous than the other. I thought it was no more uncomfortable than a pap smear after my 1st but after my second I would revise that. Even with the same Dr. or midwife they can do it differently.

Labor vibes coming your way! Don't forget that it can cause cramping and spotting so try not to read too much into them (mucus plug?? bloody show?? contractions??!!). Take a bath, drink some water, relax and see how things play out. It only works 20ish% of the time so don't be discouraged if nothing happens.

Finally, some moms have weird reactions (parasympathetic) to having their cervix manipulated. Usually bp drops rather than goes up but maybe a rise could happen?

GL!
Beth

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ds #1 6/02 and ds #2 12/07

Yeah, there is a difference. I dont know how effective either are but I hope it does something for you!!
Thats kind of odd about your blood pressure. Why did they check both arms? Was it right away or was one at the beginning of your appointment and one at the end?

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My babies...
Katie 2004
Samuel 2005 (our son with God)
Griffin 2006
Harrison 2008



BabyLinq.com ~ Preemie Store - Hospital NICU
SAFE to going home.

I agree, they are interchangable terms. Alot of times both are done at the same time. Each dr. just does it dif. Hope it helps you out though.

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