Spotting after a membrane sweep

A membrane sweep involves a clinician passing a finger around the cervix to separate the membranes from the lower uterus. Contact with the cervix can cause mild soreness, pink discharge, or mucus streaked with blood. The sweep may be followed by contractions, but spotting alone does not show whether labour will begin. It also does not replace a discussion about other options, including induction of labour, if your maternity team recommends them. The timing and appearance of the discharge matter, so keep the advice given for your pregnancy close at hand.

Wear a pad rather than using a tampon, and check whether the discharge is becoming lighter or heavier. Rest, drink fluids as advised by your maternity team, and record contractions, fluid loss, baby movements and the colour of any blood. Do not put anything in the vagina unless your maternity team has told you it is suitable. If you are unsure whether fluid is amniotic fluid or blood-stained mucus, call the maternity unit for tailored guidance.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for fresh or heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, faintness, a gush or continuing trickle of fluid, reduced baby movements, or contractions that concern you. Seek advice promptly if you have a fever or feel unwell. Use the emergency plan provided by your maternity team if you think labour is progressing quickly. Do not wait for the spotting to resolve when a warning sign is present.

Ask how much spotting is expected after your sweep, which number to call outside clinic hours, and how to distinguish mucus from broken waters. Clarify when to return for assessment, what contraction pattern matters for you, and what happens if the sweep does not lead to labour.