411 on Sweeping the Membranes

on November 7, 2008 at 6:52 AM

Relax -- there is no actual broom involved (but isn't this photo cute?!)

Having your OB or midwife sweep your membranes -- aka stripping the membranes -- is a procedure that often happens late in pregnancy as an attempt to bring on labor. JenLavazza asked about it recently in Pregnancy, and I noticed a couple of women who responded didn't know what it was.

Here's some basic info.

Stripping or sweeping the membranes is a natural way to bring on labor -- no drugs are involved, so it's something you might try before a formal induction. Your doc places a gloved finger through the cervix and literally "sweeps" (or separates) the amniotic membranes from the lower part of the uterine cavity. The procedure releases hormones called prostaglandins which can help kick-start your labor.

Sounds like good times, huh? Some women say the procedure is painful and some experience cramping -- I can tell you that, for me, it was extremely uncomfortable (and I've noted a few other moms around here felt the same). But every woman's experience is different. It didn't work for me, but it does send many women into labor in the next 48 hours or so. Expect some spotting after.

If you're approaching your due date or if you've passed it, ask your health provider if sweeping the membranes is in the cards for you.

And enlighten other mommies if you've had it done -- did it hurt? Did it send you into labor?

Filed Under: 3rd trimester, doctor visits, labor, labor & delivery, tests

Comments (5)

soldiersangel

on Nov 7, 2008 at 9:11 PM

I had my membranes stripped when I was pregnant with my son. My husband was in Iraq and he was suppose to be home for the birth. I did it to help "jump start" things, and boy did it ever! Just days before my husband came home I went into full blown labor, it was 2 days after I got it done. It hurt like crazy and I cried. I plan on doing it again with my second baby, I figure I did it once so why not :)

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Cafe Melisa

on Nov 8, 2008 at 7:07 AM

Wow, what a story! Thank you for sharing -- and interesting to hear that it did get things going for you....

debra_benge

on Nov 9, 2008 at 1:00 PM

I got my membranes stripped with my second. The procedure itself didn't hurt, but the cramping after was killer. I spotted quite a bit, and was in full labor 36 hours later. It helped that I walked quite a bit afterward. Midwife's suggestion: After the stripping, walk for a couple hours, so Mom, hubby and I went shopping for last minute baby things, a gift for the soon-to-be big brother, and for groceries. We did some more shopping the next day, too, and I went into labor that night.

huntannakay

on Nov 9, 2008 at 1:29 PM

I had it done w/ my last 2 pregnancies and boy did it work!!!! My midwife discussed me having it done b/c I had quick labors and she was planning on going on vaca plus I was already 3 centimeters w/ each pregnancy. The first time I had it done around 2:00 p.m. and went into labor at 9:00 p.m. I had her at 1:00 a.m.! My youngest I had it done around 5:00 p.m., went into labor at 12:00 a.m. and had my baby at 2:30 a.m. I am an absolute believer in this!

Jade812

on Nov 9, 2008 at 3:27 PM

I was stripped with my first and it was VERY unpleasant only because, my midwife was attending another birth and during a routine cervical exam with the back up nurse did it with out warning me ( or even asking for that matter) first and I got scared and clenched up making it much worse than it should have been. but, it did work with in a few hours and I tomorrow I plan on having it done but, only by my midwife and she said she will stop sweeping if it gets too painful for me because, she doesn't wanna do any damage. I trust her. it doesn't hurt calm down and relax your bottom.