If the sweeping does not work, (i.e. It does not ripen the cervix, induce labour or prevent the woman going overdue), and induction may be deemed to be necessary, then the normal methods of medical induction would be used.
Studies looking at the success of sweeping the membranes have shown there is some statistical advantage to having it performed routinely, although the benefits are small and unpredictable. This must be weighed against the discomfort it can cause the woman, the increased chances of her waters being accidentally broken, as well as the real chance that the intervention is not guaranteed of succeeding.
There have been various research studies comparing groups of women, who have had their membranes sweeped routinely, compared with women who did not. The results overall showed that the women who underwent the sweeping had their pregnancies shortened, on average by about 4 days. This may benefit women who are inclined to accept induction if they are less than 14 days overdue. There was an increased chance of labour starting within one week from having it done, and for women, who underwent the procedure from 38 to 40 weeks, 1 in 8 went into labour, avoiding induction before 41 weeks and 1 in 25 women avoided induction before 42 weeks. There was an increased incidence of the waters breaking before labour, but no increase in infection for mother or baby, nor any reductions in the incidence of Caesarean or
forceps delivery.
Advantages. Sweeping the membranes may reduce the chances of the woman needing induction for going overdue and may ripen her cervix, to increase the chances of other medical forms of induction succeeding. In some cases, the intervention may start the labour.
Disadvantages. Sweeping the membranes can be quite an uncomfortable procedure to endure and the procedure has only a small chance of success. It can cause cramping and bleeding for a day or so after the procedure.