A healthcare provider does a membrane sweep with a gloved finger during labor. They may sweep the membrane that connects the amniotic sac to wall it off from the uterus after the cervix is dilated. This is also called stripping the membranes or sweeping the membranes and may speed up the labor process. It is not possible to do this maneuver when the cervix is closed. Read on to know more about the membrane sweep, when it is done, and how it speeds up the labor process.
What Is A Membrane Sweep?
Membrane sweeping, also known as cervical sweeping or membrane stripping, manually stimulates the cervix to release the hormone called prostaglandins, for promoting the onset of natural labor (1). It could be a useful method but might also bring discomfort, irregular contractions, and some bleeding. This technique may also reduce the need for other medical interventions such as prostaglandins and oxytocins for inducing labor or even a C-section for delivering the child (2). Doctors or midwives may recommend this procedure, but only under certain circumstances.
When Is A Membrane Sweep Done?
A membrane sweep is offered if the pregnancy is prolonged.
If you are a first-time mom, it might be done during the 40th week of pregnancy.
If you have given birth before, then it could be done at 41 weeks (3).
A membrane sweep could be one of the safest and non-invasive methods that may not pose any risk. Keep reading to understand how the procedure is done.
How Is It Done?
Membrane sweeping is done for women who are planning a vaginal birth. The procedure is explained below (4):
The doctor checks the estimated delivery date.
You may be asked to empty your bladder and lie on the labor table.
The mattress is tilted towards the left side to avoid supine hypertension.
The doctor inserts a finger into the vagina to feel the cervix and the position of the baby. They check if the cervix is favorable for carrying out this procedure.
If yes, a gentle and circular sweep movement is done inside the cervix to separate the amniotic sac from the uterine wall and the cervix. This is likely to promote the release of prostaglandins and facilitate childbirth.
This might, therefore, improve the chances of onset of labor within 48 hours and delivery within one week.
The condition of the cervix could be a determining factor for the effectiveness of this method.
If the cervix is unfavorable or uneffaced, then this procedure may not be carried out.
If the cervix is soft but closed, then a cervical massage is offered until it allows the insertion of a finger, to increase the effectiveness of this procedure.
If the cervix doesn’t open, massaging around the vaginal fornices may stimulate the release of prostaglandins. If labor pain doesn’t start even after 36 hours, then this process might be repeated.
After the procedure is done, you may have to follow certain instructions given by your doctor.
What To Expect After The Procedure?
Once the procedure is done,
You might notice spotting (5).
You may have to wear a sanitary pad and wait for labor.
The doctor might advise you to take a warm bath and paracetamol in case of painful contractions and discomfort.
You should seek immediate medical attention in case of blood loss, unbearable pain, or spontaneous rupture of membrane.
The procedure may have to be repeated if the labor doesn’t start within the expected time. Although this procedure is considered ideal for inducing natural labor, it is not always recommended.
When Should You Not Get A Membrane Sweep Done?
Membrane sweep may not be carried out under the following conditions:
Rupture of membrane Low lying placenta Closed cervix The baby’s head is not engaged When the mother is Rh-negative Vaginal infections
Membrane sweeping has its advantages and disadvantages. Let us see what they are.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Membrane Sweep
Like many other procedures, membrane sweep also has its pros and cons (6):
Advantages
Promotes the onset of spontaneous labor. Requires no hospital admission as it could be done during a regular pregnancy check-up.
Considered to be safe and efficient.
Disadvantages
Uncomfortable and slightly painful. May not start labor in the first attempt itself. Risk of rupturing the amniotic sac. Vaginal bleeding, spotting, and irregular contractions might be experienced post-procedure.
This procedure is used to initiate labor naturally, owing to its success rate, albeit low.
What Is The Success Rate Of Membrane Sweep?
According to a review published in the British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, membrane sweeping was found to increase the possibility of labor within 48 hours by 24%. The chances of delivering within a week were about 46 %, and chances of the delivery not being prolonged over two weeks were about 74% (7).
