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April 2016 Moms
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What is the Purpose of Membrane Sweeping at 38 Weeks?

geecaligeecali member
edited April 2016 in April 2016 Moms
I'm 37 weeks, FTM, and at my most recent appointment, my doctor stated that at my appointment next week, he'll do my first cervical check and he also might sweep my membranes to "get things moving". He didn't explain what sweeping membranes was or why and I was kind of caught off guard by the "get things moving" comment, so I didn't ask for details and just looked it up online when I got home. It seems like it's not uncommon to do at 38 weeks, although most of the posts I see about it tend to have a reason behind them (baby is measuring large, or a previous pregnancy was really overdue, etc.) Baby is measuring right on track and I haven't had any complications thus far. Anyway, I'm just wondering if someone can tell me a little more about why it is done at 38 weeks if everything's going planned? I know it's full-term and if DD decides that it's time, it's time, but I just don't understand why they would use a method of induction 2 weeks early. 

Thanks!
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Re: What is the Purpose of Membrane Sweeping at 38 Weeks?

  • MariaSara1134MariaSara1134 member
    *shrugs* I have no idea either, my pregnancy is considered normal and on track, and my doctor offered at my 38+5 appointment. Granted, I think she offered because I was already 2cm dilated and she also wanted to give a little push in the right direction. But she said she'd do it, and either baby is ready or he isn't, and I guess mine wasnt because I'm 39+3 today and no real signs of labor so far. I may or may not be guilty of actually wanting to get things going quicker though. I couldve denied the sweep altogether. But it's totally up to you and results vary. Good luck! 
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  • megmarissamegmarissa member
    Lurking from May... I had my membranes swept with my daughter at 38 weeks 4 days (she was born at 39 weeks)... generally it is said it will start labor within 3 days if it is going to happen. I had an induction with my son so was happy to try anything to get things going with my daughter. I will warn you it is generally a pretty uncomfortable experience. 

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  • pinottoparenthoodpinottoparenthood member
    Like others have mentioned, if you're close to ready, it can help to jumpstart things... but it's probably not going to do anything if your body isn't ready. You can 100% turn it down if you're not comfortable! My office doesn't do it until after 39 weeks... I had it done with my son and I did lose my mucus plug but did not go into labor. I still had to b e induced at 41 weeks. I will have it done on Thursday (I will be two days past my due date) but not getting my hopes up too much. It's very uncomfortable but only for a minute.
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  • Mailmans Baby MommaMailmans Baby Momma member
    Unless there's a medical/safety reason to move things along, I'd decline. 
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  • imrachelleaimrachellea member
    I just had mine swept this morning at 40+5, the only time it was offered to me. Honestly it was no more uncomfortable for me then a cervical check. I've been cramping a bit since, so hopefully it's doing something and I'll have a baby before my Wednesday induction...!
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  • geecaligeecali member
    Thanks, everyone!
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  • Plleriti1Plleriti1 member
    I had mine done today at around noon. Wasn't any more uncomfortable than a normal exam. And now things are picking up... We will see if it works. I'm 38w4days and 2+cm dilated STM.
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  • ashleymarie1027ashleymarie1027 member
    I had mine done at 40 weeks and it was very uncomfortable... Could be because i was only two centimeters with a very thick cervix though. That was last Wednesday and I have yet to go into labor
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  • gparr126gparr126 member
    Plleriti1 said:
    I had mine done today at around noon. Wasn't any more uncomfortable than a normal exam. And now things are picking up... We will see if it works. I'm 38w4days and 2+cm dilated STM.
    Welllll. . . any news?!

    I have an appointment tomorrow, and I'm trying to decide whether or not I should ask for one!
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  • linabooplinaboop member
    I had mine swept with my daughter (last pregnancy) at 40 weeks and 1 day. For me it was really uncomfortable and I had horrific cramping afterwards. She was born the next morning and came very quickly. My doctor offered to do it at my 39 week appointment, just as an option. Everything is fine with my pregnancy. I don't think I will this time around. I may change my mind once my due date passes, or just wait for an induction at the hospital.
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  • AK118AK118 member
    I am 38 weeks and a few days and there has been zero mention of cervical checks or membrane sweeping. 
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  • Plleriti1Plleriti1 member
    gparr126gparr126 member10 Comments Photogenic 5 Love Its
    Plleriti1 said:
    I had mine done today at around noon. Wasn't any more uncomfortable than a normal exam. And now things are picking up... We will see if it works. I'm 38w4days and 2+cm dilated STM.
    Welllll. . . any news?!

    I have an appointment tomorrow, and I'm trying to decide whether or not I should ask for one!


    Baby boy was born 4/12/16 at 8:41am! 9 days early. Membrane sweeping worked for me!
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