One study showed that 90% of those who had a membrane sweep gave birth by 41 weeks compared to 75% who did not have the procedure. Membrane sweeps are a safe and effective way to start labor in most people. While slightly uncomfortable, they can be a great first attempt at getting labor going naturally.
After having a membrane sweep
Most women will go into labour within 48 hours. If you do not go into labour within 48 hours your community midwife will give you an appointment to come for an induction.
Just over 7 out of 10 women ended up in spontaneous labour with a membrane sweep (723 in 1000).
Positive signs after a membrane sweep indicate that your body has responded well and that labor is progressing. Signs of a successful membrane sweep include contractions becoming more regular, the loss of your mucus plug, your water breaking, or your cervix becoming more dilated.
If membrane stripping doesn't bring on labor, you're more likely to have a medical induction. If your body and your baby aren't ready for birth, you can end up having more interventions. These can include a forceps or vacuum birth, or even a c-section.
Walking. Being upright and gently active may help your baby move down towards your cervix, which encourages it to open, according to this NHS guidance.
Getting up and moving around may help speed dilation by increasing blood flow. Walking around the room, doing simple movements in bed or chair, or even changing positions may encourage dilation. This is because the weight of the baby applies pressure to the cervix.
Is membrane stripping effective? Generally, yes. One study reported that 90 percent of women who had a membrane sweep delivered by 41 weeks, compared to 75 percent of women who didn't have one. Membrane stripping might be most effective if you're past your due date.
How effective is a Stretch and Sweep? Statistically, there is around a 24% success rate of the procedure being effective with labour tending to start within the next 48 hours. Most women will deliver their baby within one week of having a stretch and sweep done.
A bloody show means your cervix is preparing for labor. For some women, labor begins shortly after the bloody show, but for others it could still be several days away. If you are unsure if you are experiencing a bloody show or think you are in the early stages of labor, contact your healthcare provider.
Stripping membranes does not make the labor more painful. The procedure can cause you discomfort or mild pain and slight bleeding. The pain is due to the release of prostaglandins, which is normal. If the procedure works on you, contractions begin within a few hours.
To carry out a membrane sweep, your midwife or doctor sweeps their finger around your cervix during an internal examination. This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from your cervix. This separation releases hormones (prostaglandins), which may start your labour.
There is also some anecdotal evidence that women who have membrane sweeps have slightly more painful labours. Natural Alternatives. The aim of a membrane sweep is to trigger the release of prostaglandins and oxytocin, which stimulate contractions.
You may also feel some tightening or contractions in the hours after the stretch and sweep. This is a good sign and means that the prostaglandin hormone has been released. Take two paracetamol tablets if the contractions are too uncomfortable. A warm bath can also help.
Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps. Unlike false labor contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions, true labor contractions don't stop when you change your position or relax. Although they may be uncomfortable, you'll be able to relax between contractions.
Alix Bacon, a registered midwife in Ladner, BC, says while one finger is required for a membrane sweep, a stretch needs two fingers to be able to fit through the cervix in order to “literally stretch those fingers apart.” If your cervix isn't ready to be widened, this part of the procedure won't be done, she says.
During membrane sweeping, you may feel some cramping like you get during your period. You may feel mild cramps or contractions (muscles of your uterus getting tight) for up to 24 hours afterward. You may also have slight spotting (a small amount of blood on your underwear) for a day or two.
“The risks and downsides of a stretch and sweep include discomfort, light bleeding and irregular contractions, which may interfere with a woman's ability to rest and sleep in the last few days of pregnancy. In some studies, the stretch and sweep intervention only brought the onset of labour forward by about 24 hours.
In most cases, membrane stripping increases the likelihood of spontaneous labor, especially in the 7 days following the procedure. However, a 2020 research review found that membrane stripping does not typically lead to unassisted vaginal birth.
This is something that can be done to help begin labor It can be done in your care provider's office at a regular check up near your due date. In order for this to have a chance of starting labor, it is helpful if the cervix is favorable—dilated at least 2 cm and over 60% effaced.
If you do have membrane sweeping, expect to feel some cramping during the procedure. You might feel mild cramps or contractions for up to 24 hours afterward. You may also have slight spotting (a small amount of bleeding on your underwear) for up to 3 days.
Supported squat
Try to achieve a deep squat with your legs in a “V” position. This position can really help to open up your pelvis, move your baby down, which can also help to dilate your cervix.
How to encourage labor after a sweep. There's lots of things you can try to encourage labor after a sweep. Go for a walk, bounce on the birthing ball, or have sex. There's limited evidence that any of those things actually work to induce labor, but none of them are considered risky so there's no harm in trying!