Ok - a cervical exam and membrane sweep often get lumped together - but they’re DIFFERENT things! They can just happen at the same time. → Cervical exams: A provider inserts 1-2 sterile gloved fingers into the birth canal and assesses the cervix for its dilation, effacement, consistency (like how soft it is), and it’s position in your body. They also check for station of the baby (where they are in the pelvis). These are also called sterile vaginal exams (SVEs). → Membrane sweeps: This happens D

39 Weeks Pregnant Cervical Stretch and Sweep also known as a Membrane sweep was done today to help stimulate my body to go into labor #39weekspregnant #duedate #laboranddelivery #membranesweep #stretchandsweep #labor #babytime #inducedlabor #laborinduction | Melinda-Rose Valencia

I’ve had 4 babies and have never had a membrane sweep - but it’s not because I’m staunchly opposed or would NEVER do it. It’s because the timing wasn’t right - let me explain ⇣ 📌 Comment 3PPACK and I’ll send you my birth prep tools so can make decisions like this! A membrane sweep happens during a cervical exam. If you are dilated, the provider can put a gloved finger through the cervix and sweep it around between the walls of the uterus and amniotic sac. This might cause some contractions and