Is a membrane sweep a type of induction?

Jayneypops · Apr 2nd, 2012, 06:43 AM

Just wondering as I am hoping to avoid induction (am 40 weeks tomorrow), as I want a home water birth.

if my MW does a sweep at 41 weeks, I wont need to be monitored if it works will I??

This waiting game is driving me crazy, come on LO - I want you at home not hospital!!!

5thbunbaking · Apr 2nd, 2012, 07:54 AM

No they don't class a sweep as a form of induction and you won't need monitoring after it like you do with 'proper' induction methods.
It's basically an internal examination, and if your cervix is soft enough and slightly open, they insert a finger through and 'sweep' in a circle to separate the sac from the cervix. They say if it's going to work it will do within 48 hrs.
I had planned home births and asked for one after 40wks.
With my last baby they done one but I was already 2cm dilated and didn't have a clue. I didn't go into labour though for another 5 days.
Everyone's different, do what feels right for you.
Wishing you a quick and trouble free birth.

Jayneypops · Apr 2nd, 2012, 09:29 AM

Thank you - that puts my mind a little more at ease. I dont mind the sweep, but am against any other form of induction as I cant imagine anything worse than being stuck to a bed, unable to move with a drip in my arm - no thanks!

fingers crossed baby comes at home!

LockandKey · Apr 3rd, 2012, 19:57 PM

No you will not need monitoring, and typically they say that if you don't go into labor within 48 hrs of the sweep, then it has failed, however, I went into labor within 72 hrs of my sweep. What is most important is try to remain as stress free as possible. I've heard that if you are stressed, the baby will feel that this is an unsafe environment to be born in, and will remain inside. I was stressing about being induced because my doc mentioned it at my last visit, but as soon as I calmed down, I went into labor on my own.

NaturalMomma · Apr 3rd, 2012, 20:45 PM

If it puts you into labor it is technically an induciton, but they don't monitor you afterwords. Usually they just send you home and wait for labor to start, and if it doesn't within a few days they do it again.

Apr 2nd, 2012, 06:43 AM	#1
Jayneypops Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Worcestershire, UK Posts: 538	Is a membrane sweep a type of induction? Just wondering as I am hoping to avoid induction (am 40 weeks tomorrow), as I want a home water birth. if my MW does a sweep at 41 weeks, I wont need to be monitored if it works will I?? This waiting game is driving me crazy, come on LO - I want you at home not hospital!!!

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Apr 2nd, 2012, 07:54 AM	#2
5thbunbaking Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 176	No they don't class a sweep as a form of induction and you won't need monitoring after it like you do with 'proper' induction methods. It's basically an internal examination, and if your cervix is soft enough and slightly open, they insert a finger through and 'sweep' in a circle to separate the sac from the cervix. They say if it's going to work it will do within 48 hrs. I had planned home births and asked for one after 40wks. With my last baby they done one but I was already 2cm dilated and didn't have a clue. I didn't go into labour though for another 5 days. Everyone's different, do what feels right for you. Wishing you a quick and trouble free birth.

Status: Offline

Apr 2nd, 2012, 09:29 AM	#3
Jayneypops Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Worcestershire, UK Posts: 538	Thank you - that puts my mind a little more at ease. I dont mind the sweep, but am against any other form of induction as I cant imagine anything worse than being stuck to a bed, unable to move with a drip in my arm - no thanks! fingers crossed baby comes at home!

Status: Offline

Apr 3rd, 2012, 19:57 PM	#4
LockandKey Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: May 2011 Location: West Virginia Posts: 3,732	No you will not need monitoring, and typically they say that if you don't go into labor within 48 hrs of the sweep, then it has failed, however, I went into labor within 72 hrs of my sweep. What is most important is try to remain as stress free as possible. I've heard that if you are stressed, the baby will feel that this is an unsafe environment to be born in, and will remain inside. I was stressing about being induced because my doc mentioned it at my last visit, but as soon as I calmed down, I went into labor on my own.

Status: Offline

Apr 3rd, 2012, 20:45 PM	#5
NaturalMomma Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2,592	If it puts you into labor it is technically an induciton, but they don't monitor you afterwords. Usually they just send you home and wait for labor to start, and if it doesn't within a few days they do it again.

Status: Offline

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