A membrane sweep is a procedure a healthcare provider may perform in late pregnancy, typically after 39 weeks of gestation, to encourage labor. It involves the provider inserting a gloved finger into the cervix and gently sweeping it around the amniotic sac to separate the membranes from the lower part of the uterus. This action stimulates the body’s natural release of prostaglandins, hormones that soften and thin the cervix, preparing it for labor. The procedure aims to initiate labor naturally, potentially reducing the need for other medical induction methods.
Immediate Sensations and Symptoms
After a membrane sweep, it is common to experience temporary and expected sensations and symptoms. Discomfort or mild pain during the procedure is common, often described as similar to a rough cervical check or a Pap smear. This discomfort is usually brief, lasting only a few minutes.
Following the sweep, light vaginal bleeding or spotting is a frequent occurrence, which can last for a couple of days. Mild cramping or pelvic pain, resembling menstrual cramps, is also commonly reported. Some people may experience irregular contractions immediately after the procedure. These symptoms are normal responses to cervical stimulation and prostaglandin release, and they do not necessarily mean active labor has begun.
Signs of Labor to Watch For
While mild cramping and spotting are common after a membrane sweep, certain signs indicate the procedure may have successfully initiated labor. The onset of regular contractions is a key indicator. These contractions will gradually become stronger, longer, and closer together, distinguishing them from irregular contractions that might occur immediately after the sweep.
Another sign is the “bloody show,” which is different from light spotting. This refers to the expulsion of the mucus plug, often mixed with streaks of blood. The mucus plug seals the cervix during pregnancy, and its release suggests cervical changes are occurring. The breaking of your water, the rupture of the amniotic sac, is the most definitive sign of labor. If this occurs, labor is likely to follow, and you should contact your healthcare provider.
Potential Side Effects and When to Contact Your Provider
While generally considered safe, a membrane sweep can lead to side effects that require attention. Heavier bleeding than light spotting, such as bleeding that soaks through a pad or runs down your leg, requires immediate contact with your healthcare provider. Severe or persistent pain not relieved by comfort measures like a warm bath or over-the-counter pain relievers should also be reported.
Signs of infection, although rare, require immediate medical attention. These include fever, chills, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. If your water breaks and the fluid is green or brown, rather than clear, it could indicate the presence of meconium, the baby’s first stool, which requires prompt evaluation by your provider. A decrease in fetal movement after the sweep also warrants immediate medical advice.
What If Labor Doesn’t Start?
A membrane sweep does not guarantee that labor will begin. The effectiveness of the procedure can vary among individuals. Spontaneous labor occurs within 2 to 7 days following the procedure.
If labor does not start after a membrane sweep, it is considered one step in encouraging labor. Your healthcare provider may discuss waiting longer to see if labor begins naturally, or they might offer an additional membrane sweep. If these approaches do not lead to labor, other induction methods, such as medication or an amniotomy (breaking the water), may be discussed with your healthcare provider.