Can I do a membrane sweep myself at home? Most woman start going into labor withing 48 hours of the performed membrane sweep if it works. If the water breaks but you do not go into labor you may be giving additional medication to force labor to start which can lead to longer and more painful contractions. There is a small chance of 1 in 10 that your water breaks so keep that in mind and maybe bring your hospital bag with you if you already know you will get the sweep – just in case. If this doesn’t work the first time you can ask for a additional sweep – but it is still not guaranteed to bring on labor. It is important to note that membrane sweeping is completely voluntary and may not be the right choice for every expectant mother.A membrane sweep is basically a internal exam.ĭuring this procedure the doctor will enter your cervix with their finger and sweep around the inside in a circular motion.ĭoing so is supposed to separate the ammonium sac from the uterus and bring on labor naturally.ĭepending on how much you are dilated (if any) this procedure can range from just a little uncomfortable to painful.Īfter the procedure you will most likely experience some light bleeding and if you are lucky might go into actual labor. If you have had a previous caesarean and planning a VBAC, sweeps can be offered from 37 weeks.If pregnant with subsequent babies, offer sweep at 41 week visit.All women pregnant with first baby should be offered a sweep at 40 & 41 weeks.There are a number of NICE recommendations currently in place for a membrane sweep. If your cervix is difficult to reach or completely closed, they may be unable to perform the sweep.Ĭurrent NICE Recommendations For A Membrane Sweep
However, a membrane sweep can only be carried out if the cervix is dilated (at least one centimetre) or softened to admit a finger tip. The Cochrane review showed no significant risks such as infection or membrane rupture, and researchers on a study published by the Journal of Clinical Gynaecology and Obstetrics (JCGO)did not find any increased risk or negative side effects in women undertaking membrane sweeps. If you are at all concerned about the bleeding, then be sure to call your hospital. You may experience a ‘show’ of mucous discharge which may contain some blood and some slight discomfort afterwards. There are very few side effects of a membrane sweep. The same study showed a 14% reduction in the need for formal induction of labour in women who had sweeps. Having 2 or 3 membrane sweeps 48 hours apart is most successful in encouraging labour to start. If the membrane sweep is successful labour begins within 48 hours. A Cochrane review in 2004 showed a sweep at 41 weeks decreases your chances of going to 42 weeks from 41% to 23%, almost half! The sweep encourages release of prostaglandin, which is involved in starting labour. The procedure is completely drug-free and similar to an internal examination, meaning the process itself doesn’t take long. Some of the main benefits of a membrane sweep include: But bear with it, if it works it’s worth it!Īfter the sweep, you can go home and wait for labour to start! The Benefits Of A Membrane SweepĪ membrane sweep can be highly beneficial for those who are nearing or past their due date but do not want an induced labour.
The process doesn’t hurt, but it can often be quite uncomfortable. The examiner inserts a finger through the vagina into the cervix to separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from the wall of the womb with a circular, sweeping movement and stretches the cervix at the same time. Your midwife will check baby position and heartbeatĢ. The process of a membrane sweep is simple:ġ. It is performed at home or in the antenatal clinic and takes about 10 minutes. We can reduce the likelihood of needing induction by having a membrane stretch and sweep.Ī membrane sweep, also known as a cervical sweep or membrane strip, is not a method of induction, but can help to encourage natural, spontaneous labour. While an induced labour is fairly common, with 1 in 5 labours in the UK being induced, many women want more information about how they can avoid having an induction of labour for being overdue. As the weeks go on, you may find health professionals bringing up the topic of induction of labour. It’s important to remember that only 5% of women will give birth on their due date and not to fixate to greatly on this date. It’s natural to feel impatient in the final weeks of pregnancy, feeling frustrated to wake up each day to find you’re still pregnant.