Membrane sweep

[Dese]

Looking for opinions... my midwife mentioned at my appointment yesterday that they can start sweeping membranes and trying to stimulate the cervix into making changes by doing internals from 37 weeks onwards. I was wondering what you all think about this, the pros and cons of doing that or just avoiding all internals until I think I'm actually in labour. Can't wait to read your responses!

[Amber_daisy]

Personally, I think it depends on the situation. A membrane sweep isn't one of those innocuous things that they make it out to be. I could possibly rupture your membranes. And if your body isn't ready for labor yet, you're asking for trouble....pit to induce, failure to progress, yada, yada, yada. There's also the possibility of it introducing infection. On the other hand...if you're at your EDD or beyond, and you're looking at a possible induction, it might be worth it to give it a go.

My plan is to refuse unless and until I'm past my EDD. Hopefully I can hold out, because the infection issue scares me.

[pirate_mama]

I had weekly cervical sweeps with my last pregnancy from week 37 to week 42. They're very uncomfortable and didn't create a lot of progress in the way I dialated... I ended up having an induction at 42 weeks 1 day because fetal weight estimate was nearly 10 pounds and there was a dip in the level of amniotic fluid. Weigh your options carefully.

[MarysBuns]

Perosnally, I would avoid VE and membrane sweeps, unless you are looking at the option of a membrane sweep or chemical induction. As the previous poster said it can possibly rupture your membranes (causing baby to get stuck in malpositoin, which could be resolved through mama repositioning, or if stuck hard enough end in cs) not to mention it could introduce infections.


In addition to that I think 37 weeks is a bit early to be trying to induce labor, I mean I understand that 37 weeks is considered "term" but really there is no rush at that point to need to be forcing labor on a young baby. If all you are looking to do at 37 weeks is start ripening your cervix for labor I suggest that you consider other options such as evening primrose oil or sex.

[krispsmith]

Doctors are now writing papers on stopping this archaic and ineffective procedure. It really won't do anything unless you are already in labor (kind of like all the OTHER labor "inducers") and it has huge potentials for problems including forcing infections into the uterus (HUGE no-no if you are GBS+), premature babies (37w does NOT always mean the lungs are ready!) and even fetal death. A MW is doing this???? INSANE! Must be a CNM, I have never met a LM who would encourage that!

I had it done to me against my wishes when my dr told me she was going to check for dilation. It was painful, I cramped and bled for 4 days straight before going into labor on my own. Internals aren't even necessary during labor and delivery, docs just don't want to deal with going by external cues they have to have "numbers" for control issues. I would tell them keep their hands OUT, period.

[Robinna]

that would be a big fat "no thanks" for me, too. First off - ick. yeah, I know, totally non-rational response... but seriously, that's super invasive. never mind infection & PROM risks but basically, IMO fingers have no place in a uterus. I would choose this as a last resort before medically-indicated induction but that would be pretty much the only circumstance for me.

the MW student who assisted with my first birth was offering this freakin' constantly... up to and into my labour. I just kept saying no... it was really annoying. I figured she was a keener to try stuff because she was a student.

[Dese]

Originally Posted by krispsmith

Doctors are now writing papers on stopping this archaic and ineffective procedure. It really won't do anything unless you are already in labor (kind of like all the OTHER labor "inducers") and it has huge potentials for problems including forcing infections into the uterus (HUGE no-no if you are GBS+), premature babies (37w does NOT always mean the lungs are ready!) and even fetal death. A MW is doing this???? INSANE! Must be a CNM, I have never met a LM who would encourage that!

She actually mentioned that studies show it can be really effective, both the membrane sweep and trying to stimulate the cervix... I have no idea! But that's why I'm here asking you ladies. I was and still am thinking I will turn down all internals until I think I'm in labour. I definitely don't want my waters rupturing prematurely or getting an infection, and yeah, not keen on someone poking around in there!

[Robinna]

Originally Posted by Dese

She actually mentioned that studies show it can be really effective, both the membrane sweep and trying to stimulate the cervix...

I would love to read the research - not because I'm doubtful but because I'm interested. Particularly I'd like to know what is considered effective by the trials. eg. is a labour that gets started, but stalls and ends in chemical augmentation or c/s (because the labour process got started before the body would have otherwise done so?), still considered among the "successes" of the sweep? I would especially love to see the stats of THAT kind of result of this kind of intervention - again, not because I'm trying to poke holes in it especially, but because I'm curious!!!

[boilermaker]

No thanks. I don't want no fingers in me like that....my body will kick it into high gear when ready.

My last pg I had a total of one VE-- it was when my MW arrived while I was in labor to see how far along we were....7cm. That was it--

[selkiemom]

I wouldn't have it done just to speed things along because this procedure, like any procedure, has risks. If you are facing other interventions, then this may be the better choice. I have read that they are effective in the right circumstances because of the hormones that are released when the membrane is separated from the cervix. I've heard anecdotally from my midwife that the best chance of it working is on the first time, so I'd wait until I really needed it before trying it. Usually, it will work in the first 24-48 hours.