While they’re rare, there are some risks associated with stripping membranes. Since a membrane sweep is a low-risk procedure, it is often touted as a ‘natural’ alternative to induction with oxytocin or vaginal prostaglandins.Īnother benefit of membrane stripping is that it can usually be done in your provider’s office, unlike other pregnancy interventions, like versions, which must be done at the hospital. Prince says that despite the conflicting data, research does show that stripping membranes is safe and comes with minimal risks. If you have it done too early, though, it may not work-and it may increase the need for other interventions later. The information presented in different reports can be confusing, but basically, if your body is poised for labor, stripping membranes will be more likely to induce labor. Image Credit: Unsplash Membrane Sweep: Pros and Cons 1. That said, another study found that membrane sweeping actually was successful in late-term pregnancies, or those lasting longer than 41 weeks, and significantly reduced the need for other induction interventions. The 2010 study focused on women who were at full-term pregnancies, between 38 and 40 weeks. So what does the research really tell us about the efficacy of membrane sweeping? According to one 2010 study involving 30,000 women in 22 trials, “routine use of sweeping of membranes from 38 weeks of pregnancy onwards does not seem to produce clinically important benefits.”īasically, results showed that membrane sweeping didn’t induce labor in enough cases to warrant its recommendation as a regular induction method. “Efficacy depends on gestational age, with it being low at an earlier gestational age and increasing after 38 weeks.” “The jury is still out on the effectiveness of membrane stripping alone,” Prince tells HealthyWay. Image Credit: Unsplash Does stripping membranes work? The idea is that stripping membranes kick-starts labor, so unlike a medicated induction, your labor will still start semi-spontaneously after a membrane sweep. Your doctor will then gently sweep their fingers back and forth (FYI: It does not feel gentle) to try to separate the membranes from the uterine wall, which tells your body it’s go time. Things get uncomfortable when the doctor has to reach for the internal orifice, where the membranes of the amniotic sack, also known as the bag of waters, is attached to the uterine wall. There’s the external orifice, which is where the doctor will insert their finger. The cervix is essentially the gateway to the uterus. Think back to the female anatomy poster in your OB-GYN’s office. In layman’s terms: you know how your OB provider typically does weekly cervix checks toward the end of your pregnancy to check dilation and effacement? Well, a membrane sweep is kind of like that. This action increases endogenous production of prostaglandins, oxytocin, and phospholipase A which help to soften and dilate the cervix.” “An OB-GYN will insert a finger into the cervix and sweep between the membranes of the amniotic sac in an effort to separate the sac. “Membrane stripping is a mechanical method of labor induction used between 38 and 40 weeks gestational age to prevent post-term pregnancies (after 41 weeks gestation),” says Tami Prince, MD, the founder of the Women’s Health and Wellness Center of Georgia. But what really happens when they strip your membranes? Here’s the thing: a membrane sweep (also known as membrane stripping) isn’t exactly a day at the spa. Image Credit: Unsplash What is membrane stripping? Stripping membranes is a relatively common procedure, but is it really all its cracked up to be? To find out, we spoke to mamas, doctors, doulas, and other pregnancy experts to get the real scoop on membrane stripping. Which is where the option to a membrane sweep might come up for the first time.Ī membrane sweep may sound totally gross and a little scary, but if you’re nearing (or past) full term and ready to evict your little cherub through all necessary means, it might not be the worst idea as a way to induce labor. At your 40-week appointment, your doctor may suggest that you start thinking about induction, because for some reason, your baby is just too comfy in your womb. However, some women will remain pregnant for weeks after they hit that wall. For most women, it’ll come at around 37 weeks, or at whatever stage moving starts to feel impossible. While being pregnant has its distinct pros (like being able to eat all the ice cream you want), there will come a time when you’re 100 percent over being pregnant.
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