Sweeping Membranes to Induce Labor

The nine month gestational period seems like a long time of waiting for the couple. Their excitement and eagerness to hold their little baby grows as the due date approaches. However, disappointment sets in once the due date has passed and there are no signs of approaching labor. In fact, as the days pass by, anxiety and frustration also sets in. This is when couples decide to induce labor. There are various methods of inducing labor at home such as having sex, nipple stimulation, maternity acupressure, natural herbs, etc. However, have you heard of sweeping membranes to induce labor? Stripping or sweeping membranes are one of the safest methods to induce labor. It's a natural method of encouraging the baby in the womb to come out.

The fetus is held in a bag-like structure in the uterus called the amniotic sac, which is filled with a fluid called amniotic fluid. This sac is held in place inside the uterus by several membranes. To enhance passage of the baby through the vaginal canal, the cervix must dilate. Sometimes, the cervix may need some extra help to dilate. This can be done by separating the membranes holding the amniotic sac.

Procedure...
The doctor or the midwife inserts his or her gloved fingers into the vagina and attempts to separate one's bag of water (amniotic membrane) from the lower part of the uterus. After the midwife inserts her forefinger and middle finger into the pregnant woman's cervix via the vagina, she will make firm, circular or sweeping movements with her finger inside the cervix.

The mucus plug is removed and the sweeps will help separate one's cervix from the membranes of the amniotic sac that is holding the baby. Moreover, once the membranes have been stripped, there is a release of prostaglandins hormones, which instructs the brain to induce labor. They ripen the cervix and bring on uterine contractions for childbirth.

Effectiveness...
By this method, the chances of labor can be increased tremendously, causing the baby to arrive within the next 48 hours. At times, this method will not work and labor will still not be induced. This means the baby is not ready to come out and the procedure has to be repeated later. Thus, it is important to conduct a membrane sweep, only when the cervix has softened. Each woman will have her own unique membrane sweeping experience. While some may find it discomforting, some may be completely alright with the procedure.

This is a safe method because it avoids the need to use chemical based methods to induce labor, such as prostin gel or ARM (artificial rupture of the membranes). Membrane sweep to induce labor is carried out once the cervix has begun to dilate (2cm dilated), as stripping membranes to induce labor before the cervix has begun to dilate can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. This is the least invasive method of inducing labor and the safest method to end the pregnancy. Sweeping membranes can cause spotting for the next few days, however, this is normal.

Sweeping membranes to induce labor have helped many women go into labor. However, this is a very painful technique. Although this procedure can be safely carried out at home as well, it is better to have medical professionals to carry it out to avoid any complications.