

You may experience bleeding and cramping for a few days following the procedure. It’s generally only used in situations when there really isn’t a pressing medical reason to induce.Īdvice from a nurse educator This procedure does cause some discomfort and should only be done by an experienced doctor.


Does a sweep always work How effective is a membrane sweep A membrane sweep increases the likelihood that labour will start naturally within 48 hours. If labour does not start after a membrane sweep, youll be offered induction of labour. Membrane stripping isn’t as effective as other types of induction, such as using medications. Having a membrane sweep does not hurt, but expect some discomfort or slight bleeding afterwards. One study found that membrane sweeping could increase the likelihood of spontaneous labor within 48 hours. Membrane stripping might be most effective for women who are past their due dates. The goal is to stimulate labor and safely deliver before the pregnancy is beyond 41 weeks, and membrane stripping may occur as early as 39 weeks. They act on the cervix to soften and ripen it. Of these, only 75 percent delivered by 41 weeks’ gestation. Sweeping the membranes is essentially stimulating your body to release prostaglandins. The JCGO study reported that after a membrane sweep, 90 percent of women delivered by 41 weeks compared to women who didn’t receive the membrane sweep. A 2011 review of available studies concluded that the efficacy depends on how far along in pregnancy a woman is, and whether or not she uses other induction methods. Experts still question whether or not membrane stripping is really effective.
