
This technique has been around since ancient times, but it was only recently that scientists discovered its benefits. Membrane sweeps involve using a special brush to gently move over the skin. They also come in handy during bikini season or when you want to shave your legs.
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The review also found that sweeping can cause discomfort during the procedure, some bleeding and irregular contractions (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005). Membrane sweeps are a great way to remove unwanted hair from your body. Sweeping reduces the need for other methods of labour induction such as oxytocin or prostaglandins. The review of trials found that sweeping brings on labour and is generally safe where there are no other complications. Sweeping the membranes during a cervical examination is done to bring on labour in women at term. It helps the body release chemicals called prostaglandins, which soften the cervix and prepare the body for labor. To determine whether sweeping or stripping membranes at 3840 weeks gestation leads to spontaneous labor within 7 days. The procedure is performed once your cervix has begun to dilate. The healthcare provider gently separates the bag of water (amniotic sac) from the wall of the uterus. Sweeping the membranes is effective in bringing on labour but causes discomfort, some bleeding and irregular contractions. Membrane stripping is the method of induction of labor. There is no difference in the rates of operative delivery.

There is no suggestion of an increased risk of infection although it may increase the incidence of prelabour rupture of membranes. Membrane sweeping is the advancement of one or two fingers through the internal cervical os to the lower uterine segment, followed by a circular sweeping movement between the amniotic membrane and. NICE (2008) and RCOG (2001) suggest that sweeping the membranes is likely to increase the chance of spontaneous labour within 48 hours and birth within one week, therefore reducing the need for prostaglandins.
