Wellspring Midwifery

🌀 Membrane sweeps 🌀

Lots of people have heard of membrane sweeps, but far fewer really understand what happens during a membrane sweep. This procedure, also sometimes referred to as "membrane stripping" is under the umbrella of induction because it can release hormones that can get someone a little closer to the start of labor than they might have been without a membrane sweep.

Everyone's experience is different, and I'd say about half of clients say that cervical exams and membrane sweeps are no big deal and the other half feel them pretty intensely. You are always in control of your experience, and we can always pause, adjust, or stop if a cervical exam or membrane sweep if too painful or doesn't feel right for you. Cervical exams and membrane sweeps should ALWAYS be done with explicit consent.

What do you think of this demo? Does it change the way you think of membrane sweeps?

Video description: Midwife Lizz demonstrates the procedure of a membrane sweep with a knit uterus model, produce bag, and baby doll.