As your due date approaches, you may find yourself daydreaming about ways to make the time go faster. Or maybe help your baby start their journey to the outside world sooner. About a week away from the big day, you may feel huge, uncomfortable, and past ready to meet your baby. At one of your last prenatal checkups, your provider might offer you a membrane sweep. But you might look back at them blankly and wonder, “What is a membrane sweep?”
What Is Membrane Sweeping?
Membrane sweeping, or membrane stripping, is a procedure that separates your baby’s amniotic sac from your uterus. Your baby’s amniotic sac surrounds them with fluid that cushions their body and lets them practice breathing, swallowing, and peeing. The amniotic sac pushes right up against the walls of your uterus, stretching and growing together as the baby develops.6
When your body notices the uterus and amniotic sac starting to part ways, it can release prostaglandins. These chemicals soften your cervix and can cause contractions. If the timing is right, these effects can jump-start your labor.2 Your healthcare provider can sweep your membranes in an exam room during a prenatal checkup, and it can sometimes get your labor started faster.1,2
When Can You Get a Membrane Sweep?
You can get a membrane sweep after the 38-week mark, but it’s common after 39 weeks. Remember that your cervix must be partially dilated to get the sweep. However, this is unnecessary for successful labor, so there’s no pressure to do it.2,3,7
Who Can Do a Membrane Sweep?
Your doctor or midwife should be the only person doing the procedure. These professionals are trained to use techniques to minimize the risk of breaking your amniotic sac, which could introduce germs to your baby.7
What To Expect From a Membrane Sweep
You can have the procedure done when your provider checks your cervix for dilation. If they find your cervix a little open and thinner than usual, they may offer to sweep your membranes, or you can ask them to do it. Here’s how it usually goes:7
- You’ll lie on an exam table and put your feet up in stirrups.
- Your provider will use a gloved hand to insert two fingers into your vagina.
- You may feel some pressure as they check your cervix for dilation.
- Your provider will gently push their finger(s) past the cervical opening alongside the baby’s head and use a circular motion to separate the sac from the inside wall of your uterus.
- Your provider will remove their fingers, and you can sit up.
At that point, you can start crossing your fingers and toes that it works!
Is It Painful?
Some pregnant people barely notice a membrane sweep; others must breathe through it and say it’s intense. It can depend on your pain tolerance, anatomy, and provider. Whatever your situation, the procedure is quick but uncomfortable. If you get too uncomfortable, inform your provider, and they can stop immediately.7
What Happens After Membrane Sweeping?
After the procedure, you might notice some light bleeding and cramping. The cramps will either progress into labor or fade away. If it doesn’t work at 38 weeks, your doctor may offer to do it again at the next prenatal visit.2,5,7
Does Membrane Sweeping Induce Labor?
Research suggests the procedure can induce labor and lower the need for other induction methods. Other studies say it’s more of a hit-or-miss situation, but it can be more effective if your cervix is softened and dilated, you’re over 40 weeks pregnant, or you’re already in early labor.1,4,7
Risks and Benefits
The risks and benefits of membrane sweeping are still being studied, but one large study found that no one who had their membranes swept experienced any harmful effects.1 Let’s explore the risks and benefits of this procedure:
Risks
You may feel ready to run to your OB-GYN to ask for a membrane sweep, but keep in mind that there are some risks associated, like the following:3
- Irregular contractions
- Pain
- Vaginal bleeding
Some pregnant people hesitate to try it, and others may say these risks are well worth the chance to meet their baby (and see their toes!) sooner.
Benefits
If it works, membrane sweeping can help get that labor party started. Some studies suggest that this procedure can decrease the need for chemical induction with Pitocin. Other research found that pregnant people who had their membranes swept were more likely to go into labor before 41 weeks.1,3
If you have questions or worries about membrane sweeping, you can ask away at your next prenatal visit. Whatever you choose to do, that baby is coming. If a membrane sweep works for you, great. If not, don’t worry because you’ll be holding your new baby soon without it.
