What happens after a membrane sweep?

You can generally go home and continue comfortable daily activities. Keep track of contractions, fluid loss and your baby's usual movements, and use the contact instructions given by your maternity unit.

During a sweep, a clinician circles a finger inside the cervix to separate the membranes near its opening. This can release local hormones involved in preparing the cervix, but it does not ensure labour will follow.

Period-like cramps, irregular tightenings, mucus discharge or a small blood-streaked show can follow cervical contact. Established labour is suggested by contractions that become longer, stronger and more regular; your maternity team can help interpret the pattern they asked you to monitor.

Rest if uncomfortable, drink fluids and use only pain relief that your maternity clinician has said is suitable. A warm bath or gentle movement may be comfortable unless you were advised otherwise. Wear a pad rather than a tampon so you can observe any fluid or bleeding.

If labour does not begin, attend the next appointment already arranged. The team may discuss another sweep, continued observation or formal induction according to your stage of pregnancy, examination findings and the health of you and your baby.

Call your maternity unit urgently if your baby is moving less than usual, you have fresh or heavy bleeding, severe or constant abdominal pain, fever, feel very unwell, or think your waters have broken. Also call when contractions match the pattern your team gave you, or sooner if you are worried. Emergency symptoms such as collapse, severe breathing difficulty or uncontrolled bleeding need immediate emergency care.

Ask how to reach triage day or night, what contraction pattern should prompt a call, and how to tell leaking amniotic fluid from discharge. Confirm the planned review if labour does not start and what choices would be discussed before induction.