Or your provider may offer to sweep the membranes every week at the end of your pregnancy when you come for a visit. Your health care provider may offer to sweep the membranes one time. How many times can I have membrane sweeping done to start a labor? Membrane sweeping may start some contractions and help the cervix open. These hormones help soften the cervix and prepare the uterus to have contractions.
Hormones are released when the bag of water is moved slightly from where it lies next to the sides of the uterus. If that happens, labor may be harder for the baby. If you do not go into labor more than 1 or 2 weeks past your due date your baby may need more food and nutrients than the placenta can provide. Your health care provider may suggest sweeping the membranes to prevent you from going too far past your due date.
Membrane sweeping is easily done in the office during a regular pelvic exam. The gloved finger will be used to gently separate the bag of water from the sides of the uterus near the cervix. To sweep the membranes, your health care provider will put a gloved finger into your vagina and then into your cervix (the opening to the uterus). The membranes hold the amniotic fluid (water) that protects your baby and gives your baby room to move around. The membranes, also called the amniotic sac or bag of water, surround your baby in your uterus (womb) during pregnancy.
Membrane sweeping is a method used to help your body go into labor.