What is a membrane sweep?

A membrane sweep is a method to bring on labour to avoid going too overdue. It'll be the first step your doctor will offer, before other methods of induction, in order to get your labour going. During an internal examination, your doctor will try to insert a finger into the opening of your cervix and then gently but firmly move his/her finger around. This sweeping movement should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from your cervix. This separation releases hormones called prostaglandins, which may kick-start your labour. According to studies, membrane sweep success rate is about 24% in starting a labour. http://www.babycentre.co.uk/what-is-a-membrane-sweep