Membrane Sweeping to Encourage Labour: Everything You Need to Know

Membrane sweeping is a technique used by healthcare professionals to help encourage labour when a woman has passed her due date. In this article, we discuss membrane sweeping, how long after the procedure you can expect to go into labour, and what to do following a membrane sweep.

What Is a Membrane Sweep?

A membrane sweep is a medical procedure that involves manually separating the amniotic membranes (the sac containing the baby and amniotic fluid) from the wall of the uterus. The aim of this intervention is to release prostaglandins — hormones that play a key role in triggering and sustaining labour — in the hope of encouraging labour to begin naturally rather than relying on medication.

How Is a Membrane Sweep Carried Out?

To carry out a membrane sweep, the first step is to perform a cervical examination to assess whether the cervix is dilated and effaced. If the examination reveals a favourable cervix, the healthcare professional can proceed with the sweep by inserting one or two fingers between the amniotic membranes and the uterine wall to gently separate them using circular movements.

Although this procedure is generally painless, it can be uncomfortable for some women and may cause light spotting. It is worth noting that a membrane sweep is not routinely performed on all pregnant women; its use is assessed on a case-by-case basis between the expectant mother and her practitioner.

How Long After a Membrane Sweep Can You Expect to Go Into Labour?

It is difficult to give a precise estimate of how long it will take to go into labour following a membrane sweep, as this varies from woman to woman and depends on her individual circumstances. However, the majority of women go into labour within 48 hours of the procedure. For some women, labour may even begin just a few hours after the sweep. In some cases, a membrane sweep does not immediately lead to labour, and other methods of induction may then need to be considered.

Factors Influencing the Time to Labour

Several factors can influence how long it takes to go into labour after a membrane sweep:

The state of the cervix: a cervix that is already dilated and effaced is more likely to respond quickly to the membrane sweep.

The number of previous pregnancies: women who have already given birth once or more times generally have a more favourable cervix for this procedure and are therefore likely to go into labour more quickly.

The presence of contractions: if the expectant mother was already experiencing contractions before the membrane sweep, the procedure is likely to speed up the process.

What to Do After a Membrane Sweep?

After a membrane sweep, it is essential to stay attentive to your body and to the signs that labour is approaching. Here are some tips to give yourself the best chance of going into labour quickly following the procedure:

Rest: it is important to make the most of quiet moments to relax and conserve your energy, whilst remaining in tune with your body.

Monitor your contractions: contractions may gradually strengthen after the membrane sweep. Do not hesitate to time them to keep track of how they are progressing.

Go for a walk: walking helps the baby settle into a good position in the pelvis and can help stimulate and intensify contractions.

Use relaxation techniques: breathing exercises, warm baths, or acupressure can all contribute to the wellbeing and relaxation of the expectant mother, whilst also helping to encourage the onset of labour.

Finally, it is important to remain aware that, despite all these efforts, a membrane sweep does not guarantee a swift labour. It is therefore essential to maintain open communication with your medical team and to be prepared to adapt to whatever situations may arise.