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May 2011 Moms
Does anyone have any info on membrane sweeping and how
invasive it is as an "induction" tool?
Particularly on how it relates to probability of c-section?
Does it count as induction (as opposed to, say, cervadil or other inducing drugs?)
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Re: Does anyone have any info on membrane sweeping and how
I don't have any particular sources handy, so this is just from what I remember reading.
It's not that invasive, but it often hurts. It doesn't really have negative impacts on c-section, it's just fairly likely to be uncomfortable or painful and lead to nothing. Women often seem to feel crampy for the rest of the day, but it may or may not lead to labour after the pain. The general idea is that it stimulates prostaglandins, which encourages the cervix to get things going.
Most doctors probably wouldn't call it an induction. Personally, it's a grey zone - I'd rather have my mebranes stripped and give it a day or two than jump straight to pit. If I haven't gone into labour by my 41w appointment, I'll probably go for it.
I keep reading on 3rd tri that there are doctors that just do it without asking.
Mine would learn some new swear words and the meaning of "assault" if she tried to pull that.
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Mine did it yesterday (without asking!) and it was basically two fingers in there and it felt like a lot of pressure. It wasn't pleasant. The only thing it did for me was made me have cramps for the rest of the day and today I feel totally fine and normal.
I've never heard of it correlating with the possibility of having a C section. It works for some people and does nothing for others. And it does not count as induction.
I didn't have my membranes stripped, but was told about it in my HynoBirthing class. Specifically in relation to being an induction tool that can lead to c/s... it can up the chance of breaking your water. If your water breaks typically they give you 24hrs to deliver the baby. So if your body doesn't go into labor quickly enough, or with quick enough results it could mean a c/s.
As a vbac person I'd have avoided anything that increased chance of c/s. If I was a typical vag candidate at 41wks, I might do it as a last result.
I also wanted to avoid going past my EDD and having a scheduled c/s, so I started using Primrose Oil vaginally at night (I think it's safe to start at 38wks). I went into labor the next morning!! Baby came at 38w3d. Not that I was trying to have him early by any means, but primrose oil isn't supposed MAKE you go into labor before you're ready.
I believe membrane sweeping would be considered a method of "natural induction of labor," but with most things considered natural, it doesn't work for all women. Sweeping membranes, in my opinion, falls somewhere in between the medication-induced labor (pitocin) and the old-wives tales (pineapple, spicy foods, etc.) It's more accepted as a labor inducing option than the OWTs, but it is not an absolute, foolproof answer to starting labor. I have never heard of any correlation between membrane sweeping and CS risks.
Personally, if I'm still pregnant next week at my 40 week appointment, I will probably ask my OB to sweep my membranes to see if that will jumpstart my labor.
I am asking for it when I go in on Tuesday. It's just a little uncomfortable pressure and sometimes known to be a little crampy. I did it with my previous son and later on in the week I delivered him. Usually doesn't happen right away. For some, just have to wait til the LO is ready