Membrane sweeping, also known as membrane stripping, is a procedure that can helpinduce labor.
Membrane sweeping is sometimes recommended for pregnant people who are close to or past their due date.
During the procedure, your healthcare provider inserts a gloved finger into thecervixto loosen the amniotic sac from theuterus.
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Membrane sweeping can be done in your providers office and may speed up labor.
This article will describe the procedure of membrane sweeping, what to expect, and who should avoid it.
Membrane sweeping can be used once the cervix has started to dilate but contractions have not yet begun.
The procedure can induce labor by stimulating uterine contractions.
Membrane sweeping induces labor by causing a release of hormones calledprostaglandins.
Prostaglandins soften the cervix and prepare the body for labor.
Membrane sweeping is considered a low-risk procedure for most pregnant people.
Labor is also riskier for those who are one to two weeks past their due date.
The potential benefits of membrane sweeping include inducing labor naturally and avoiding medical induction.
Is the Procedure Effective?
Membrane sweeping is an effective way to naturally induce labor.
Membrane sweeping has been linked to a decreased need for formal induction as well.
The Procedure
Membrane sweeping will begin much like apelvic exam.
During an appointment, your healthcare provider will explain how membrane sweeping works and what to expect.
Your healthcare provider will then check your cervix to confirm that it is sufficiently dilated.
These membranes holdamniotic fluid, which protects the baby from injury during pregnancy.
Using small circular motions, your provider will loosen the amniotic sac from the wall of the uterus.
Membrane sweeping is usually described as uncomfortable and even painful.
The procedure is relatively quick, though.
After your appointment, you may experience uterine cramping and spotting.
If you notice bright-red bleeding that soaks a menstrual pad after the procedure, seek emergency care right away.
How Safe Is Membrane Sweeping?
Membrane sweeping is considered low risk for most pregnancies.
Membrane sweeping can be performed once or sometimes weekly at the end of a pregnancy.
Who Should Not Have a Membrane Sweep?
Membrane sweeping is safe for many people toward the end of their pregnancies.
However, not everyone should undergo this procedure.
This motion can stimulate labor by causing uterine contractions.
Membrane sweeping can be done in your providers office and is usually described as uncomfortable but relatively quick.
The procedure has been found to increase the likelihood of spontaneous labor and decrease the risk of medical induction.
Membrane sweeping is safe for most pregnant people and may speed up labor.
Its normal to have cramping and spotting afterward.
If you experience severe pain or bleeding after the procedure, seek medical care right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Membrane sweeping can be performed at 39 weeks for many people with uncomplicated pregnancies.
Talk with your healthcare provider and ask if this is an option for you.
The goal of membrane sweeping is to induce labor.
After the procedure, its normal to experience cramping and spotting.
Membrane sweeping is an uncomfortable procedure that can lead to cramping and spotting.
Some people find the cramping so uncomfortable that they have trouble sleeping.
If you experience heavy bleeding after membrane sweeping, see your healthcare provider right away.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Induction of labor at 39 weeks.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.When pregnancy goes past your due date.
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Finucane EM, Murphy DJ, Biesty LM, et al.Membrane sweeping for induction of labour.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
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