You'll typically be offered one or more membrane sweeps (stretch and sweeps), often starting around 39-40 weeks, with subsequent offers spaced about 48 hours apart if labor doesn't begin, up to around 41-42 weeks, after which induction methods are discussed. The exact number depends on your provider and circumstances, but generally, you might get 2-3, though you can decline any or all, as it's your choice.
It's usually considered a 48 hour window for you to then go into labour after having the procedure done but women can have up to 3-4 sweeps before other induction options are considered.
The amount of time a person takes to go into labor after a membrane sweep varies among individuals. Spontaneous labor usually occurs within 2-7 days following the procedure. It is normal to experience cramping and some spotting following the procedure.
After the membrane sweep, you typically go home and wait for labor to start, usually within the next couple of days. You may have some spotting and cramping during this time. However, if you're having a lot of bleeding or pain, call your healthcare provider or go to the hospital.
A membrane sweep would usually be offered to you after 39 weeks. To carry out a membrane sweep, your midwife or doctor sweeps their finger around your cervix during an internal examination. This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from your cervix.
Studies have shown that around 70% of low-risk women, with membrane sweeping, can end up in spontaneous labour. Furthermore, these studies have supported that women who do undergo membrane sweeping are more likely to go into spontaneous labour in comparison to women who do not.
The "3-2-1 Rule" in pregnancy is a guideline for first-time mothers to know when to call their midwife or doctor for active labor: consistent contractions that are 3 minutes apart, lasting 2 minutes each, for 1 hour (or sometimes cited as 3-1-1, meaning 3 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour). For subsequent pregnancies, the 5-1-1 Rule (5 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour) is often used, indicating labor is progressing more quickly.
In the multiple membrane sweep group, 339 (91.4%) women had spontaneous onset of labour before 41 weeks and 3 days' gestational age. Majority (279, 75.2%) of them went into spontaneous labour after one sweep of membrane, 61 (16.4%), after two sweeps and 31 (8.4%), after three sweeps.
How to Make Your Water Break
After a membrane sweep, there are certain signs to be on the lookout for that could indicate labor is starting. These signs include regular contractions that get stronger and closer together, more noticeable cramping or lower back pain, losing your mucus plug (sometimes called a “bloody show”), and your water breaking.
This separation of the amniotic membranes from your uterus can speed up labor. Membrane sweeps help your body release chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help soften, thin and dilate (open) your cervix to prepare you for labor.
Three key signs that labor is approaching soon are regular contractions, losing your "bloody show" (mucus plug), and your waters breaking, often accompanied by lower backache, baby dropping, or a sudden urge to clean (nesting). These signals show your body is preparing for birth, with contractions becoming stronger and closer together as labor progresses.
You might have some cramps or contractions after a stretch and sweep. This is a sign that the prostaglandin hormones that help to prepare your body for labour have been released. You can take paracetamol and have a warm bath if you are uncomfortable.
A membrane sweep is usually offered after you have reached your estimated due date as it is more likely to be successful at this point and is often more difficult to perform earlier than this. Sometimes a obstetrician may recommend a membrane sweep earlier in pregnancy (around 39 weeks).
The best rule of thumb here is to sweep as necessary, which for many people works out to a couple of times per week. Keep an eye on your hard floors. Watch for visible dirt and pet hair, then sweep it up as necessary.
Membrane sweeps are usually offered between 40 and 42 weeks, and can be repeated if you wish, in order to increase your chances of starting labour naturally.
There are no proven safe ways for a woman to break her water at home. It can be dangerous if the water breaks before natural labor begins or before the baby is fully developed. During the natural process of labor, the water breaks when the baby's head puts pressure on the amniotic sac, causing it to rupture.
Your water can break at any time — before labor begins, after contractions have started or right before delivery. Your healthcare provider may even break your water for you (amniotomy). The amount of water that comes out can look like a bucket of water spilling.
Walking and exercise often make it to the top of the list of things to try. While there's no research that says it will induce labor, 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times a week can be helpful in any stage of pregnancy.
An excellent way to relax and distract yourself is to get yourself to a self-care appointment. Book a pedicure, a prenatal massage, or find a salon near you that does blow outs. These appointments are wonderful for distraction but they also help create a flow of oxytocin in your body.
Stretch and sweep is used to help start labour and reduce the need for an induction. If it works, you can expect to go into labour within 48 hours. If it does not work, it can be repeated two or three times over the next few days.
You can have more than one membrane sweep and some women find it very effective to have a second sweep 48 hours after the first if it wasn't successful. After you have had a sweep, stay active if you can as walking can often help encourage labour to start.
There are several signs that labour might be starting, including:
The rate is on average about 1 cm an hour.
This means that going from 3cm to 10cm would take approximately 7 hours. Some women will progress much quicker and some much slower.
What number should contractions be at on monitor? During true labor, the toco numbers range from 40-60 mmHg at the beginning of the active phase of labor, and 50-80 mmHg during the second phase of labor, when your cervix is fully open.