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A membrane sweep is what women have when thr dr or midwife give them an internal examination at around the time there due. Its when they stick their fingers into the opening of the cervix, sweep there finger around to remove the muscus plug or any discharge etc and they normally then using two finger stretch the opening of the cervix and normally labour starts after a few hours if it works :-)
A membrane sweep is a way of bringing on labour when you're 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 sweep a finger around your cervix (neck of your womb). 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.
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 and 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. 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, but it could help you to avoid having your 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 sweep a finger around your cervix (neck of your womb). 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.
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 and 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. 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, but it could help you to avoid having your 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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