A membrane sweep is a procedure performed in late pregnancy to encourage the start of labor. A healthcare provider inserts a gloved finger through the cervix to gently separate the amniotic sac from the lower wall of the uterus. This action stimulates the natural release of prostaglandins, hormones that help soften and prepare the cervix for delivery. The procedure is typically offered to those who are at or past 39 weeks of gestation and who wish to attempt to initiate labor without a medical induction. After the procedure, it is common to experience a range of sensations and symptoms.
Expected Immediate Physical Symptoms
It is normal to experience some physical reactions shortly after the procedure. One of the most common reactions is light vaginal spotting or bleeding, which can range in color from pink to reddish-brown. This occurs because the cervix is highly vascular in late pregnancy, and the manipulation can cause minor blood vessels to rupture. This spotting is usually light and should not last longer than 72 hours following the sweep.
Many people also notice mild cramping or a sensation similar to premenstrual pain in the hours immediately following the procedure. These mild uterine contractions are often irregular and do not increase in intensity or frequency. The cramping is a direct result of the uterine stimulation. This discomfort is generally manageable and can be eased with mild pain relief or a warm bath.
Another expected observation is an increase in vaginal discharge, which may include the loss of the mucus plug, sometimes referred to as a “bloody show.” The mucus plug is a thick barrier that seals the cervix during pregnancy, and its expulsion suggests cervical change. The discharge may be clear, tinged with blood, or brownish in color. These symptoms indicate cervical readiness but do not guarantee the immediate onset of established labor.
Recognizing Successful Labor Progression
A successful membrane sweep results in the onset of true, progressive labor, which is distinct from the irregular cramping that occurs immediately after the procedure. The procedure is considered effective if it initiates labor within a specific timeframe, typically within 48 hours of the sweep. The most reliable indicator of labor progression is the establishment of regular uterine contractions that become progressively stronger, longer, and closer together.
In true labor, contractions transition from being mild and sporadic to following a predictable pattern. They will start to feel more intense, often beginning in the back and radiating to the front abdomen. Unlike the mild, irregular cramping immediately following the sweep, true labor contractions will not ease or stop with a change in position or activity.
It is helpful to time the contractions to distinguish them from Braxton Hicks contractions, which are non-progressive. True labor contractions will consistently meet the 5-1-1 rule, where they occur every five minutes, last for one full minute, and have been present for one hour. The intensity of these contractions is what ultimately causes the cervix to dilate and thin.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
While some spotting and mild pain are expected after a membrane sweep, certain symptoms warrant immediate contact with a healthcare provider.
- Heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding that is more substantial than a normal menstrual period. This includes bleeding that soaks through a sanitary pad within an hour or is running down the leg.
- A sudden gush or continuous leak of fluid from the vagina suggests the rupture of membranes, or “water breaking.”
- If the amniotic fluid is not clear and instead appears green or brown, this can indicate the presence of meconium (the baby’s first stool) and requires prompt evaluation.
- Severe, unrelenting abdominal pain that is not relieved by rest or mild pain medication should be reported.
- Any signs of infection, such as a fever or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, also necessitate a call to the healthcare team.