Should Written Consent Be Required before Fetal Membrane Stripping Especially among GBS Carriers?

10/20/2018

Presented by Jane Hanson-Ernstrom, RN, BSN, CNM, MS

Measurable Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to…
1. Identify reasons to not strip membranes
2. Understand why informed consent should always be obtained before invasive procedures, especially those deemed unnecessary

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Jane Hanson-Ernstrom, RN, BSN, CNM, MS
Dedicated certified nurse-midwife and healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience serving women and children in a variety of capacities, including education, clinical settings, research, and volunteer positions. Passionate about the health and well-being of women, infants and children.

Kristen Entze

10/22/2018 07:52:22 am

I feel like in my case if had I been presented with a consent form and information regarding the risks I most definitely would have chosen not to allow my doctor to strip my membranes. I don’t know if it would have resulted in a different outcome but then at least I wouldn’t have to wonder and have hard feelings towards her for that action. Not only would it potentially save the patient from infection but also care providers from any potential legal issues that may arise. I think pushing for requiring informed consent to become a standard of care would be very benificial. If women are required to be educated by their doctors about the risks I know the majority of them wouldn’t take the risk!

Marti Perhach

10/22/2018 10:03:46 am

Membrane stripping is also sadly cast as a “milestone” event in many pregnant women’s YouTube videos. They are eager to report that they will have or had this procedure. Alarmingly, I have also read two social media posts in which the pregnant woman’s boyfriend/partner stripped her membranes for her.

Several health care providers have provided their thoughts for GBSI on why they avoid membrane stripping at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNvrXA85Lks&t=1s and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9_kK0agM8Y&t=1s

Moderator

10/22/2018 02:42:45 pm

Posting for Janie Hanson-Ernstrom, RN, CNM: Practitioners who care for pregnant women, I’m also curious how you educate the women in your practice about GBS initially? Teaching handouts? Discussion?
If you include membrane stripping as a part of your care for early laboring women or post dates- do you provide a written informed consent?

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