Maybe you have heard of membrane sweeping to induce labor. Membrane sweeps are sometimes also referred to as membrane stripping, or a cervical sweep. The purpose of this article is to help you weigh the pros and cons of a membrane sweep, so you can make educated & informed decisions for yourself!
What is a membrane sweep?
Membrane sweeps are also sometimes referred to as “stripping your membranes”. This procedure involves your provider “sweeping” their gloved finger between the thin membrane of the amniotic sac & your cervix. The sweeping motion helps separate the amniotic sac from your cervix. As a result, there is a release of prostaglandins which help soften the cervix, and encourage uterine contractions.
Can anyone have a membrane sweep?
In order to have your membranes stripped, you need to be at least 1 centimeter dilated already. This is simply so your provider is able to get their gloved finger into the cervix to adequately perform the sweep.
Depending on your provider, they may have a requirement of how many weeks gestation you are before they feel comfortable performing the membrane sweep. In my time as a doula, I typically see providers prefer that Mama is 39 weeks, but have heard of some being comfortable performing a sweep at 38+ weeks.
Why would I have a membrane sweep?
It is important to note that membrane sweeps are not always effective, but this may be a great option to try if you are nearing the end of your pregnancy & want to avoid hormonal or medical induction.
One study reported that membrane sweeping had a success rate of 86.4% in achieving vaginal delivery, consistent with previous studies. Most patients only required one or two sweeps to initiate labor, and if the sweep was successful, most went into labor within 48 hours. According to the Cleveland Clinic, one study showed that 90% of those who had a membrane sweep gave birth by 41 weeks, compared to 75% who did not opt for this procedure.
Tips for the membrane sweep procedure:
1 – Know that it can be uncomfortable. While this is a natural form of induction, it certainly doesn’t feel natural! With the added pressures of the end of pregnancy, it may not be pleasant to have your provider’s fingers so deeply in the cervix, but know that it does not last long! Try to use the few seconds to practice distraction & breathing through it, as you would any other labor sensation! Wiggle your toes, trace the outline of the ceiling with your eyeballs, tap your fingers rhythmically…
2 – Try your best to relax fully. Tenseness can make it a bit harder for your provider to effectively perform the sweep. Full relaxation ensures your pelvic floor is at complete rest, and your provider will have a much easier time!
3 – Patience 🙂 Effectiveness of the membrane sweep varies on many, many things! Although it works in a lot of cases, there is no guarantee that it works for everyone. Just remember that your baby will come when they are good & ready!
What to expect after a membrane sweep?
Your cervix has tons & tons of blood vessels lining it, so it is normal for you to have some spotting (light bleeding!). The sweep can also cause some mild cramps, lower back discomfort, or an increase in practice contractions.
If anything feels more serious than this, or if bleeding/pain is severe, it is important to contact your provider immediately. Focus on relaxing, packing your hospital bags, & doing all the things you love to do as you gear up for labor!
Hard Signs — +Water breaking (One Cochrane Review reflected that in about 10% of all cases, membranes are accidentally ruptured during a sweep.) +Bloody show +Strong, regular contractions
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