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Towards the end of your pregnancy or if you have an induction of labour planned, you will be offered a membrane sweep. This can be done at home, in a community clinic/birth centre or in the hospital.
A membrane sweep might help start labour. If you have a planned induction of labour, it might help to make your cervix more favourable so less induction methods are needed.
What is a membrane sweep?
A membrane sweep is a drug free method that can help start labour within the next 48 hours.
It involves an examination inside the vagina. The midwife inserts a finger into the neck of the womb (cervix) to separate the membranes from the cervix in a circular movement. A membrane sweep cannot be done if your cervix is closed. This can be uncomfortable.
When is a membrane sweep offered?
A membrane sweep is usually offered at 39 to 40 weeks of pregnancy.
When is a membrane sweep not recommended?
Sometimes a membrane sweep is not recommended, for example, if your waters have already broken or your baby’s head is not fixed in the pelvis.
Are there any side effects from a membrane sweep?
Pain, discomfort and vaginal bleeding are possible after the membrane sweep. A membrane sweep will not cause any harm to your baby. It does not increase the chance of you or your baby getting an infection.
Can you have more than one membrane sweep?
More membrane sweeps can be offered if labour does not start after the first sweep (3 sweeps in total).
Membrane sweeping may start labour without the need for other methods of induction. A study in 2005 found that 1 in 7 women may go into labour after a membrane sweep (Finucane et al 2020).
If you have not been offered a membrane sweep and would like one, please call the Community Midwifery office on 0116 258 6111 and press option 5.
