How to start labor after membrane sweep

  • What Is It?
    • What is membrane stripping?
  • Benefits
    • What are the benefits of stripping membranes?
  • Pain Level
    • Does stripping membranes make labor more painful?
  • Positive Signs
    • How do you know if stripping the membranes has worked?
  • Risks
    • Are there any risks with stripping membranes?
  • When To Avoid
    • What are the reasons for avoiding stripping membranes?
  • Related Resources
    • Related Resources - How Long After Stripping the Membranes Does Labor Start?

How to start labor after membrane sweep

After stripping the membranes (membrane sweep) most women begin labor within 48 hours.

Every pregnancy is different and the duration between stripping of membranes (membrane sweep) and initiation of labor varies among women. For most women, labor starts within 48 hours after a membrane sweep.

However, there is no guarantee that membranes stripping will kickstart the labor or contractions.

What is membrane stripping?

Membrane stripping is the method of induction of labor. The healthcare provider gently separates the bag of water (amniotic sac) from the wall of the uterus.

The procedure is performed once your cervix has begun to dilate. It helps the body release chemicals called prostaglandins, which soften the cervix and prepare the body for labor.

Stripping membranes is an optional procedure to other methods of labor induction. Your doctor may suggest it as you near or pass your due date but contractions have not started and your cervix is partially open or dilated. It is usually performed during a vaginal exam at around 39 to 40 weeks in pregnancy.

Membrane stripping may be done at a time or once weekly. If early induction of labor is very important, your doctor may see you every two days in the office and strip your membranes each time.

What are the benefits of stripping membranes?

Stripping the membranes offers the benefits of going into labor naturally and avoiding a medical induction, which involves medications.

Most people want to meet their baby after 39 weeks of pregnancy. Stripping membranes can be a good option for these people if they are medically fit to undergo the procedure.

Does stripping membranes make labor more painful?

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. You may feel them for up to 24 hours. Spotting mixed with mucus may be experienced for up to three days.

How do you know if stripping the membranes has worked?

Your doctor will tell you about the positive signs to look for after stripping membranes, such as:

  • Contractions become stronger and more regular
  • Loss of mucus plug
  • Breaking of waters
  • Increase in the dilatation of the cervix

Are there any risks with stripping membranes?

Membrane sweeping is generally safe, but some risks include:

  • Cramping for 24 hours, which may make it hard for you to sleep
  • Cramps confused for contractions
  • Water-breaking with some of its risks, such as infections
  • Heavy bleeding

What are the reasons for avoiding stripping membranes?

Your doctor may not recommend stripping membranes under the following conditions:

  • If vaginal delivery is unsafe
  • If you had unexplained vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy
  • If there is a need for urgent induction through medications
  • Your vaginal culture reveals group B strep in your vagina

How to start labor after membrane sweep

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Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See Slideshow

Medically Reviewed on 11/17/2021

References

Image Source: iStock Images

Medscape. Stripping Membranes. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2009;54(3):259-260. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/703499

The mucus sweep, or membrane sweep, is a common and safe method for helping induce labor in pregnant women who are ready to deliver.

If you’re pregnant and approaching 39 weeks, you are nearing the milestone known as full-term. You are, no doubt, looking forward to seeing your baby for the first time. And let’s be honest, you also might feel like you’re going to pop! You should be ready for your doctor or midwife to mention membrane sweeping, or a mucus sweep, to help induce labor. Here are some important things to know about this common procedure. 

What is a Membrane Sweep?

Membrane sweep is a natural and gentle way to trigger labor in a normal pregnancy that has reached full-term. Your doctor puts a gloved finger into your vagina and then into the cervix, making a gentle circular (sweeping) movement with the finger. This separates the amniotic sac from the sides of the uterus near the cervix. This separation causes your body to release hormones (prostaglandins), which may kick-start your labor. Do not attempt this at home. It should only be carried out by a trained medical professional. 

How Effective is a Membrane Sweep?

A membrane sweep increases your chances of going into labor naturally within 48 hours. While membrane sweeping is less effective than induction by medication, it is the most successful natural method of inducing labor. 

Is Membrane Sweeping Safe?

You can rest assured that a membrane sweep holds no danger of infection for your baby, as long as your water hasn’t broken. If your water has broken, a membrane sweep may not be advised, as it increases the risk of infection.

What Does a Membrane Sweep Feel Like?

Because the cervix is often difficult to reach before labor begins, a membrane sweep can be uncomfortable and even painful. Any breathing techniques you have been practicing may come in handy to help you relax during the procedure. You may experience some spotting, cramps or irregular contractions soon afterwards. If you experience any heavy bleeding, you should contact your doctor right away. 

When is a Membrane Sweep Done?

Your doctor or midwife won’t offer this procedure until you’ve reached 38 weeks. As you become more overdue, the risk of childbirth complications increases, so your doctor may want to induce labor. If you’ve passed your due date, a membrane sweep should be offered before other methods of induction. 

No matter where you are in your pregnancy journey, we are here to help. Contact us today!

How to start labor after membrane sweep
How to start labor after membrane sweep
How to start labor after membrane sweep

What helps labor after membrane sweep?

Lifting the amniotic sac during a membrane sweep can induce labor.

What are good signs after a membrane sweep?

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.

How can I naturally induce labor after a sweep?

There are no proven ways of starting your labour yourself at home. You may have heard that certain things can trigger labour, such as herbal supplements and having sex, but there's no evidence that these work.

How long after a sweep does labour start?

This releases hormones called prostaglandins, which may help kick-start your labour. A membrane sweep increases the likelihood that labour will start within 48 hours.