We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Membrane Sweep?

By Misty Wiser
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 36,862
Share

A membrane sweep is a labor stimulation technique used by midwives and obstetricians after 38 weeks of pregnancy. The outer membrane of the amniotic sac is manually separated from the cervix, often beginning labor within two days. It is usually the first step in labor stimulation before medications are used to induce labor. Stimulating the cervix this way releases prostaglandins, a lipid messenger molecule responsible for the contraction and relaxation of the smooth uterine muscle during labor.

An exam of the cervix is done before the procedure. If a cervix is unripe, or has not begun to soften and efface, progressive labor is less likely to start after the procedure. A cervix that is still high and firm would indicate the membrane sweep should be delayed.

After the cervix is determined to be in a favorable state for labor stimulation, the doctor will begin to insert one finger into the cervix. If the cervix is soft but still tightly closed, it may take a minute or two of gentle manipulation for the cervix to dilate enough to allow the finger to enter. Once the doctor is able to insert his finger through the neck of the cervix and into the uterus, he will use his finger to separate the amniotic sac containing the baby from the uterus wall.

This procedure may initially cause some uterine irritability, resulting in irregular contractions. These contractions will not cause any dilation or effacement of the cervix, however. The contractions should eventually become regular and effective, signaling that labor is beginning.

The mucus plug will likely be dislodged during the membrane sweep. It is often bloody, but this is to be expected as the cervix dilates and softens. Cramping and intermittent spotting may also begin after the procedure. Regular labor contractions should begin within 48 hours.

If the membrane sweep has not stimulated labor contractions, the procedure may be repeated. Stripping the membrane may be done two or three times before labor begins. This labor stimulating technique occasionally does not produce any favorable results, and a drug-induced labor may be recommended for the overdue mother.

Complications from the membrane sweep include an infection risk and a possible early rupture of the amniotic sac. If an expectant mother tests positive for group B strep (GBS), it is unlikely that the membrane will be stripped to begin labor. Infection may result when microbes travel from the vagina and cervix into the uterus when the cervix is manipulated. The amniotic membrane sac may be accidentally ruptured during the procedure. If the amniotic sac ruptures, the mother will likely be admitted into the hospital for delivery because it is not safe for pregnancy to continue with a ruptured amniotic sac for more than 24 hours.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-a-membrane-sweep.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.