A membrane sweep is considered a safe and effective method to help induce labor, especially after 39 weeks of pregnancy. It works by stimulating the release of hormones that can promote the onset of spontaneous labor. Studies show that membrane sweeping can reduce the incidence of prolonged or post-term pregnancy and decrease the need for medical induction of labor.
Effectiveness
- Membrane sweeping increases the likelihood of going into labor from about 60% without the sweep to over 70% with the sweep.
- Twice-weekly membrane sweeping after 39 weeks is more effective than once-weekly sweeping in preventing prolonged pregnancy and hastening labor onset.
- Around 81-86% of women who undergo membrane sweeping enter spontaneous labor, with some studies reporting delivery earlier by about one week compared to controls.
- It significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy extending beyond 41 weeks and decreases the induction rate from about 25% to 10%.
Safety and Outcomes
- Membrane sweeping is generally well-tolerated with mild discomfort and sometimes slight bleeding.
- It does not increase risks of cesarean delivery, maternal infections, or adverse fetal outcomes.
- Most women and babies experience no complications related to the procedure.
- Neonatal outcomes (such as Apgar scores and NICU admissions) are not adversely affected by membrane sweeping.
Summary
Membrane sweeping is an effective, minimally invasive way to encourage labor onset and reduce prolonged pregnancies, with a good safety profile for both mother and baby. While it does not guarantee labor will start immediately or prevent all inductions, it increases the chance of spontaneous labor without significant risks.
