Question
What is a membrane sweep?
Expert Answer
A membrane sweep is a way of trying to bring on labour to avoid going too overdue. It'll be the first step your midwife or doctor offers, before other methods of induction, to get your labour going.
Your midwife or doctor will carry out the procedure. During an internal examination, she will try to insert a finger into the opening of your cervix (neck of your womb) and then gently but firmly move her finger around. This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from your cervix. This separation releases hormones (prostaglandins) which may kick-start your labour.
The procedure may also be called a stretch and sweep, because if a sweep isn't possible, your midwife may still try to stretch or massage your cervix. This stimulation may be enough to start the ripening of your cervix. If your cervix then starts to soften and open, your midwife may be able to do a proper sweep next time she sees you.
A membrane sweep increases the likelihood that labour will start within 48 hours. It has a higher chance of working if your cervix is already softening and preparing for labour. Rest assured that it doesn't increase the risk of infection for you or your baby. If your waters have broken but labour hasn't started, membrane sweeps are not recommended as, in these circumstances, they can increase your risk of infection.
A membrane sweep can be uncomfortable, as the cervix is often difficult to reach before your labour begins. Some women find the procedure painful. If you've been practising breathing techniques ready for labour, you may find they help you to relax while your midwife is carrying out the sweep. You may experience some slight spotting of blood, cramps or irregular contractions immediately afterwards.
If you're a first-time mum, you should be offered a membrane sweep at your antenatal appointments at 40 weeks and again at 41 weeks. Some midwives will offer a membrane sweep every 72 hours (three days). If this isn't your first baby, you should be offered a membrane sweep at your 41-week antenatal appointment.
If you've passed your due date, you should be offered a membrane sweep before other methods of induction. You may be offered two or three membrane sweeps before your doctor or midwife suggests other ways for you to be induced .
If you don't want to have a sweep, you can decline the offer. Although there’s no guarantee it will start your labour, it does help some women avoid having their labour induced in more invasive ways. If you don't want a sweep and don't want your labour induced, you may prefer to try some natural ways to get labour started.
Your midwife or doctor will carry out the procedure. During an internal examination, she will try to insert a finger into the opening of your cervix (neck of your womb) and then gently but firmly move her finger around. This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from your cervix. This separation releases hormones (prostaglandins) which may kick-start your labour.
The procedure may also be called a stretch and sweep, because if a sweep isn't possible, your midwife may still try to stretch or massage your cervix. This stimulation may be enough to start the ripening of your cervix. If your cervix then starts to soften and open, your midwife may be able to do a proper sweep next time she sees you.
A membrane sweep increases the likelihood that labour will start within 48 hours. It has a higher chance of working if your cervix is already softening and preparing for labour. Rest assured that it doesn't increase the risk of infection for you or your baby. If your waters have broken but labour hasn't started, membrane sweeps are not recommended as, in these circumstances, they can increase your risk of infection.
A membrane sweep can be uncomfortable, as the cervix is often difficult to reach before your labour begins. Some women find the procedure painful. If you've been practising breathing techniques ready for labour, you may find they help you to relax while your midwife is carrying out the sweep. You may experience some slight spotting of blood, cramps or irregular contractions immediately afterwards.
If you're a first-time mum, you should be offered a membrane sweep at your antenatal appointments at 40 weeks and again at 41 weeks. Some midwives will offer a membrane sweep every 72 hours (three days). If this isn't your first baby, you should be offered a membrane sweep at your 41-week antenatal appointment.
If you've passed your due date, you should be offered a membrane sweep before other methods of induction. You may be offered two or three membrane sweeps before your doctor or midwife suggests other ways for you to be induced .
If you don't want to have a sweep, you can decline the offer. Although there’s no guarantee it will start your labour, it does help some women avoid having their labour induced in more invasive ways. If you don't want a sweep and don't want your labour induced, you may prefer to try some natural ways to get labour started.
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