Written by Editorial Team
The amazing experience of carrying a baby is one of a lifetime and nothing can match to the out of the world phenomenon of giving birth to a new life. What Is A Membrane Sweep? Read on.
The growing fetus is present in an amniotic sac or the ‘bag of waters’. The sac is composed of double membranes and contains amniotic fluid that protects the baby from any harmful injury or shock.
The duration of pregnancy is 40 completed weeks and the onset of labor pains is usually on its own. But sometimes the uterine contractions do not commence on the due date or within one week after the due date. Contractions are supposed to be induced in such circumstances. Find out 8 effective exercises to induce labor here.
What Is Membrane Sweep Or Cervical Sweep?
How Is A Membrane Or Cervical Sweep Done?
When Is Cervical Sweep Offered?
Pros And Cons Of Membrane Sweep
When Not To Get A Membrane Sweep Done?
Is A Membrane Sweep Painful?
Sometimes referred to as a stretch and sweep, cervical sweep or cervical sweep is actually a manual stimulation of your cervix to release of hormone called prostaglandins which can initiate the process of labor. It is likely to be offered to you if you are overdue – if you are a first time mom, then at 40 weeks and again at 41 weeks. And if you are a second time mom then you will be offered a cervical sweep at 41 weeks antenatal appointment.
Since decades, membrane sweep is the most common and widely prevalent method of labor induction or uterine contraction induction. Accuracy and meticulousness is needed to do a membrane sweep properly and correctly.
The procedure, also termed as ‘sweep process’ or ‘stretch’ and is done in the following manner:
The pregnant lady is asked to lie on the labor table in ‘lithotomy’ position. Strict asepsis is maintained and the doctor inserts her finger in lady’s vagina and feels the cervix. A gentle sweep movement is done inside the cervix. This separates the amniotic sac or ‘bag of water’ from the cervix and releases chemicals called prostaglandins. The prostaglandins induce labor pains and facilitate childbirth
The process of cervical sweep is also referred as ‘stripping membrane’. The entire procedure of membrane stripping is called as ‘sweep and stretch process’ because during this technique the doctor or midwife stretches your cervix if sweeping is not easy. This stimulates and ripens the cervix. The cervix becomes soft and dilates.
In women who have had kids before the membrane sweep is done in Stripping membrane or membrane sweep is needed in following conditions to check any unwanted complications from arising:
Since this is a safe and non invasive procedure for labor induction, it is a widely prevalent technique. You can read more about induced labor here.
Extending the pregnancy beyond forty two weeks is pointless and can adversely affect the health and wellness of both the baby and the mother. The placenta is inefficient in meeting the oxygen and nutritional requirements of the fetus beyond forty-two weeks so delivery becomes essential.
Like any other technique, the cervical sweep has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Just have a look at a few of them:
Following are the advantages of membrane stretch and sweep.
The sweep stretch amplifies your chances of inducing labor within forty eight hours though it is not a sure shot method.
Under following conditions cervical sweep is not done as a safe technique for labor induction.
Not really, but we would be lying if we say that it is not uncomfortable. Though the procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes and some women can find it a bit painful as well. However, if you have been practicing breathing and relaxing techniques, you will find them handy. Also, if you are not comfortable with the idea of of someone reaching your cervix, you can decline the offer. You should also know that membrane sweeps are not always successful to bring on labor, though it seems like a ‘natural’ way to induce labor in many women.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
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