
Pharmacological methods of induction can cause hyperstimulation – this is when the uterus contracts too frequently or contractions last too long, which can lead to changes in fetal heart rate and result in fetal compromiseĪn induced labour may be more painful than a spontaneous labour There may be a need for an assisted vaginal birth (using forceps or ventouse), with the associated increased risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (for example, third- or fourth-degree perineal tears) There may be limitations on the use of a birthing pool Their choice of place of birth will be limited, as they may be recommended interventions (for example, oxytocin infusion, continuous fetal heart rate monitoring and epidurals) that are not available for home birth or in midwife-led birth units Why is your doctor suggesting membrane stripping Stripping the membranes is a way to induce labor. 2014 3(1):30-34.Vaginal examinations to assess the cervix are needed before and during induction, to determine the best method of induction and to monitor progress The Efficacy of Membrane Sweeping at Term and Effect on the Duration of Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
STRETCH AND SWEEP RISKS TRIAL
Randomized clinical trial evaluating the frequency of membrane sweeping with an unfavorable cervix at 39 weeks. et al. Membrane sweeping added to formal induction method to increase the spontaneous vaginal delivery: a meta-analysis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.ĪCOG. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing.
STRETCH AND SWEEP RISKS PROFESSIONAL
When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. I was also hoping to avoid induction. But alas, I showed up at the hospital for my scheduled induction a few days later.īab圜enter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. I was bummed, for sure, because I was so ready to be done with that pregnancy and meet my baby. I never even felt any cramping at all that day. There was some initial spotting that time, after my OB did the sweep – but that’s it. Remember, some people will go into labor within a few days of a membrane sweep, while others will not.

Since the membrane sweep worked so well with baby number three, I requested another during my fourth pregnancy. My husband and I headed to the hospital around 10:30 that night, and our third child was born about five hours later. By the time evening rolled around, actual contractions started. (This is a fairly common side effect.) I put on a panty liner when I got home and experienced mild, periodic cramping throughout that afternoon. When I had my membrane swept during my third pregnancy, I started spotting immediately. My daughter was born in less than four hours. They went ahead and gave me some Pitocin anyway. The overall prelabor rupture of membranes rate was not significantly higher in the membrane sweep group (12 compared with 7) (P.19) however, patients with a cervix more than 1 cm dilated at. By the time I showed up for the induction at 6 a.m., I was having regular contractions. I got the sweep at an afternoon OB appointment and scheduled an induction for the following morning.

I grimaced through the awkwardness and got through it by focusing my thoughts on the hope that labor wouldn’t be far away. But although it was super uncomfortable for 10 seconds or so, I wouldn’t say it was particularly painful. It’s a lot of pressure in a highly sensitive place. Getting a membrane sweep feels kind of like a rough cervical check. During my first sweep, with my second baby, my whole body involuntarily recoiled. "I've had four babies and three membrane sweeps.
