Possible reactions for mother and baby:
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If the membranes rupture, then the woman may be under pressure to get into established labour, within a certain time or need induction of labour. |
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It can be uncomfortable to painful. |
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It can produce a slight bloody discharge. |
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The woman may experience some cramping, or irregular contractions, for a few hours. |
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It does not guarantee that the pregnancy will not go overdue, and avoid an induction. |
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Some women will find this procedure stressful, embarrassing or invasive. |
Information sources
Boulvain M, Irion O, Lohse C, Matonhodze B. Mechanical methods for inducing labour (Protocol for a Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2002. Oxford: Update Software.
Boulvain M, Stan C, Irion O Membrane sweeping for induction of labour (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2002. Oxford: Update Software.