This study clearly demonstrates that membrane sweeping is effective in promoting a spontaneous labour and thereby reducing the need for a formal induction of labour. What the results of this study add? The results from this meta-analysis add to the body of existing evidence around membrane sweeping. For these reasons, it is currently recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2008 ) that women are offered a membrane sweep to promote spontaneous labour prior to arranging a formal induction of labour. 2014 ), as well as having an impact on NHS resources (Department of Health 2015 ), and the birth experience of women (Gatward et al. However, all of the induction methods carry some degree of risk in terms of the associated morbidities and effectiveness (Cunningham 2005 Simpson and James 2008 Thomas et al. Consequently, a formal induction of labour is usually offered to low-risk pregnant women between 41 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Research suggests that a pregnancy which exceeds 42 weeks of gestation is associated with an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality (Gulmezoglu et al. The studies reported several varying outcomes for both maternal and foetal morbidities meta-analyses were performed where possible on each of these and found there to be no statistically significant differences in outcome between the intervention and control groups. The results revealed that membrane sweeping is advantageous in promoting spontaneous labour (RR = 1.205, 95% CI: 1.133-1.282, p = <.001), and reducing the formal induction of labour for postmaturity (RR = 0.523, 95% CI: 0.409-0.669, p = <.001). A total of seven studies consisting of 2252 participants were selected for the review and meta-analysis. Relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as pooled statistics. Based on articles published between 20, 12 electronic databases were searched. Whether or not it is the right tool at the right time will be dependant on each individual client and their circumstances/preferences.The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of membrane sweeping in promoting spontaneous labour and reducing a formal induction of labour for postmaturity. This procedure should only be done by a qualified obstetrical care provider such as a midwife or physician and should not be offered before 38-41 weeks.īOTTOM LINE: Membrane sweeps have benefits and risks and are not 'right' or 'wrong'. 👇 Sweeps are sometimes performed without consent during a vaginal exam, but it is a seperate intervention and carries risks, so informed consent should always be obtained first. Membranes rupturing prematurely before the onset of labour can result in the need for additional interventions such as a formal medical induction. 👇 There is about a 9% chance of your water accidentally being broken by your provider during the procedure. These contractions sometimes settle after few days without leading to the immediate onset of labour. 👇 It can cause minor bleeding and uterine irritation, leading to irregular contractions which may cause some people to be unable to sleep or rest. 👇 Approximately 70% of people report that the experience is 'significantly painful'. 👇 You cannot have a membrane sweep done unless your cervix is at least 1cm dilated. 👆 Sweeps can slightly reduce your likelihood of needing a formal medical induction.

👆 On average, it can reduce the length of your pregnancy one to four days, and a meta-analysis of 22 trials concluded that sweeps increase the likelihood of delivery within 7 days from the date of sweep. 👆 If done at 41 weeks, it can cut your likelihood of going past 42 weeks almost in half (from 41% down to 23%) 👉 MEMBRANE SWEEPING 👈 - when you are SO DONE with 3rd trimester and your care provider offers you a membrane sweep, it seems like a no-brainer.Ī sweep (sometimes called a strip) is when your care provider inserts a gloved finger into your vagina, up into your cervix, and does a quick 'sweep' around the surface to try and seperate your baby's amniotic sac membrane from the cervix.

Whats a membrane sweep