my midwife said yesterday that she will do a membrane sweep but im not sure what one is could any one tell me and how sucsesful are they thanks
2007-02-22 18:42:27 · 9 answers · asked by marie b 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
It's where your midwife will induce labour by rubbing the membranes at the top of your cervix. This basically weakens them and encourages your waters to break. My midwife talked about doing this to me on my due date as I was carrying a big baby, but mother nature beat her and I gave birth 4 days early.
2007-02-22 18:50:25 · answer #1 · answered by chelle0980 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sally Sago answers:
As a midwife I have been guilty in the past of saying to a mum-to-be, who was overdue, "Would you like me to 'sweep your membranes'?" As a phrase, it conjures up all sorts of pictures and confirms that a midwife's habits are many and varied! However, membrane sweeping can be a useful way of bringing on labour before other methods of induction are offered.
Membrane sweeping is done by your midwife or doctor. While internally examining you, he or she will simply "sweep" a finger around the neck of your womb (cervix). The aim is to separate the membranes around your baby from your cervix. This releases hormones called prostaglandins, which may kick-start your labour.
A membrane sweep increases the likelihood that labour will start within 48 hours. It has a higher chance of working if the neck of your womb is already softening and preparing for labour. It does not increase the risk of infection to either you or your baby.
A membrane sweep can be uncomfortable as the neck of the womb is often difficult to reach before labour begins and there may be some slight "spotting" of blood and irregular contractions immediately afterwards.
If your baby is overdue and induction of labour is being suggested, it is now recommended that a membrane sweep is offered beforehand. You should ask your midwife for details as most units have written information leaflets for you to read.
Reviewed February 2005.
2007-02-26 19:47:27 · answer #2 · answered by Miss Karen Roe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The midwife will put a finger up, through your cervix and 'sweep' around to separate the membrane that connects the cervix to the amneotic sack. This is uncomfortable but not painful, I had this done when pregnant and it didnt work, however I know people whos waters have broken straight after, or a couple of days later.
I would recommend having it done as I had to be induced in the end and this is far more unpleasant.
Good Luck
2007-02-23 04:02:49 · answer #3 · answered by Ktloop 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The midwife will give you an internal and if the cervix is open she will 'sweep' her finger around the membranes at the opening of the cervix which can sometimes start off labour as prostaglandins are released. It works with some and not with others. Fresh pineapple and sex is said to have the same affect - obviously you eat the pineapple!
2007-02-25 17:59:21 · answer #4 · answered by LAURENCE B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The midwife will examine you internally then insert a finger through your cervix and sweep it round the membranes. Its fairly uncomfortable. Didn't work for me but they can be quite successful. x x
2007-02-25 17:52:02 · answer #5 · answered by lynsey m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The midwife means she will give you an internal,and use her fingers to move the membranes round your cervix to induce labour,it's uncomfortable.
2007-02-23 02:47:25 · answer #6 · answered by heebygeeby 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had a couple of these and they are uncomfortable but tolerable. She is basically going to manually stretch out your cervix to try and induce labour. This is quite a common procedure and takes about a minute to perform.
2007-02-23 02:52:59 · answer #7 · answered by Helen B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are really successful in my opinion. I had one done and it worked, the only thing is it really hurts! I was in so much pain during the whole time she was doing this and afterwards my tummy felt really strange but I knew that it had worked.
Good luck!
2007-02-23 15:20:58 · answer #8 · answered by angelcakes 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What it does is ripen the cervix in order to make it so it begins to dilate. She's just getting you ready to have the baby! They aren't uncommon.
2007-02-23 02:49:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋