#MEMBRANE SWEEP FULL#

This information will help us when discussing the future care of your pregnancy and possible induction of labour with you. Your baby’s heartbeat will be monitored for a minimum of 20 minutes and you may be offered an ultrasound scan to assess how much water (amniotic fluid) is surrounding your baby where appropriate.

#MEMBRANE SWEEP FULL#

However, if your pregnancy continues beyond the recommended 12 – 14 days past your due date, you will be invited to attend the Quantock Assessment Unit for further review to ensure that both you and your baby remain well whilst awaiting the onset of natural labour.Īt this appointment a midwife will talk to you about how you are feeling, and perform a full antenatal check which will include taking your blood pressure, testing your urine and examining your abdomen to assess the growth and position of your baby. If you decide not to have a membrane sweep, this is not a problem as it is your choice. Can I choose not to have a membrane sweep?

We will ensure you are offered an appointment to attend the hospital between 41 and 42 weeks of pregnancy for a review and to commence your induction of labour. Whether you have decided to have a membrane sweep or not, you will always be offered a date to have your labour induced (started off).

Membrane sweeping is not recommended if your waters have broken. It will not increase the chance of your baby getting an infection. All of these are normal, and will not cause any harm to you or your baby. The procedure may cause some slight discomfort, slight bleeding or a ‘show’ and/or tightening of the womb. It May be carried out at home, during an antenatal appointment at your surgery or in hospital. This has been shown to increase the chances of labour starting naturally within the next 48 hours and can reduce the need for other methods of induction of labour. Membrane sweeping involves your midwife or doctor placing a finger just inside your cervix (neck of the womb) and making a circular, sweeping movement to separate the membranes from the cervix. From 40 weeks pregnant, if you are a first time mum and 41 weeks for subsequent pregnancies, at the discretion of your midwife you will be offered a vaginal examination to perform a membrane sweep.