How is membrane sweep done? At which week?

[first_time_mum]

my mw today told me mebrane sweep option. I am 38+6 today. When and what is it for? Do I need to have it?

[katie84]

Think it can bring on labour , it's offered from 39 wks depending on ur area n midwife , not had one so don't know much else as never got to 40 wk mark x

[CarolineDarz]

The midwife does an internal exam and the idea is she uses her fingers to sweep your cervix and just inside if she can get it. It is meant to release hormones which can encourage the beginning of labour. They are usually at 40weeks. I had one at 40 weeks, one at 41 weeks- though they didn't start active labour so I ended up induced

[first_time_mum in reply to CarolineDarz]

What happened c section?

[CarolineDarz]

No, just an induction then natural birth

[Mummytoobe]

I had one done at 39 weeks and went into labour the same day and my son arrived the following day

[first_time_mum in reply to Mummytoobe]

Is 39 week early? I think MW meant for overdue like 40+s?

[CarolineDarz in reply to first_time_mum]

Depends on the circmstances- mine was 40 weeks this time and this is normal i believe. But if i have another baby, and want natural birth it will be 38weeks ish due to issues with my first. And there are issues like diabetes, an older mum to be, waters breaking early, etc that would mean earlier induction.

[mamacool]

Hi there,

A membrane sweep stretches the cervix and loosens the membranes to encourage the onset of labour, to do this the MW conducts a VE and uses a finger to sweep around the neck of the cervix. This will only work if you are nearly ready and your cervix is soft, if the cervix is not ready then the procedure is not particularly comfortable and doesn't do anything. It seems the offer of a sweep varies from trust to trust but usually women are post term.

Like anything to do with your health you do have a choice so you don't have to have one at all, if a sweep is being suggested then you need to understand why to make the best choice for you and your baby and never be afraid to ask, I'm sure your MW will have all the answers for you.

Good luck, I hope this helps