Sweeping of the fetal membranes and its effect on duration of pregnancy in low risk cases

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine effectiveness of sweeping of membranes on the duration of pregnancy at term, and its effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes.Methods: In this prospective study, 145 women with uncomplicated pregnancy at 39 weeks or more gestation who were attending regular ANC clinic, were recruited for study, out of them 60 were cases (sweeping group) and 85 were control (no sweeping group). Primary outcome measure was occurrence of spontaneous labour and total duration of pregnancy. Other outcome measures included were interval of onset of labour from membrane sweeping, incidence of premature rupture of membranes, total duration of active labour, mode of delivery, rate of caesarean section and causes, and neonatal and maternal outcome.Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding maternal age, parity and bishops score at recruitment. There was a significant difference observed in spontaneous labour rate and interval time between recruitment to delivery in groups. There was no significant difference regarding mode of delivery, maternal and fetal outcomes.Conclusions: Membrane sweeping is a safe procedure that reduces the incidence of post-term pregnancies if applied at term.

Effectiveness of Single Fetal Membrane Sweeping in Reducing Elective Labor Induction for Postdate Pregnancies (38+0 to 40+6 Weeks): A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This finding contrasts with the results of Kathleen Putnam et al [58], who reported an elevated risk of clinical chorioamnionitis in the membrane-stripped group (10.3% vs. 6.0%). Hend and colleagues [61] also noted two pregnancies in the stripped group complicated by intrapartum chorioamnionitis, compared to only one in the control group, though the results were not statistically significant (p>0.05). These discrepancies may be attributed to the multiple membrane sweep procedures conducted in their respective studies.…”

“…This is particularly relevant in resource-poor settings in Sub-Saharan Africa where access to maternal and neonatal health services can be prohibitively expensive. This straightforward procedure can be performed by midwives or community health extension workers when properly trained, offering a viable alternative for women who prefer to avoid formal induction of labor [58][59][60][61][62][63].…”

“…Most women are willing to endure this mild discomfort in anticipation of the procedure's benefits, as noted by Hend S Saleh et al [61], who stated that many patients and physicians would consider a small risk worthwhile when a considerable advantage was anticipated. Hence, membrane sweeping can be considered a safe clinical procedure.…”