Sweeping of the Membranes
Sweeping of the membrane involves your health care provider performing a vaginal examination and placing a finger just inside your cervix which is the entrance to the womb and making a circular sweeping movement. The sweep aims to stir up a release of your natural hormones which may start to soften and open the cervix. Studies suggest that sweeping the membranes increase the chances of your labour starting naturally within the next 48 hours and can reduce the need for other methods of induction of labour. It is usually the first method to try and start labour.
The Pessary (prostaglandins)
Prostaglandins are drugs that help induce labour by encouraging the cervix to soften and shorten (ripen). Prostaglandins are normally given as a pessary that is inserted into the vagina. The pessary is a little tampon inserted high into the vagina, via a vaginal examination, that releases artificial hormones. This allows the cervix to open and contractions to start. They are used if the cervix is not open enough to reach the membranes and break the waters. Before your care provider inserts the pessary, she will first check that your baby is okay and that the heartbeat is normal. You will be closely monitored as you wait for the labour to start. Your cervix will be re-examined 6 hours after you have been given the prostaglandin tablet.
Breaking the Waters
This is when the midwife or doctor makes a hole in your membranes to release or ‘break’ the waters. This is done through the vagina and cervix using a small plastic instrument. Once the cervix has opened enough, your care provider may break the water during the vaginal examination. Releasing the waters encourages the baby’s head to press more firmly onto the cervix and usually increases the strength of the contraction to allow labour to continue.
The Hormone Drip
This is a drug that encourages contractions. It is similar to the natural hormone oxytocin that a woman’s body produces when she is in labour. The aim of the drip is to create steady, rhythmical contractions that will open the cervix enabling your baby to be born. You will be monitored closely after this to ensure that the contractions are steady and that your baby is coping with them.
