SWEEPING OF MEMBRANES FOR INDUCTION OF LABOUR IN PREGNANT WOMEN AT TERM

Abstract

Background: Post-term pregnancy is associated with increased maternal and fetal risks, including stillbirth, fetal distress, and increased cesarean delivery rates. Sweeping of membranes is a simple, non-pharmacological intervention that may promote spontaneous labour by stimulating endogenous prostaglandin release that prevent postdates pregnancies.

Objectives: To compare the frequency of spontaneous labour induction between membrane sweeping and non-sweeping groups in term pregnant women.

Study Design & Setting: A randomized controlled trial conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Kharian.

Methodology: A total of 110 primigravida women aged 20–30 years with gestational age ≥40 weeks were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (membrane sweeping) and Group B (no sweeping), with 55 patients in each group. Spontaneous labour onset within 48 hours was the primary outcome. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square test was applied post-stratification for maternal age, gestational age, BMI, parity, and birth weight with p ≤ 0.05 as statistically significant.

Results:  A total of 110 pregnant women at term were enrolled, equally divided into sweeping and no-sweeping groups. Spontaneous labour occurred in 74.5% of the sweeping group versus 45.5% of controls (p=0.001). Vaginal delivery was higher (69.1% vs. 50.9%) and caesarean section lower (20.0% vs. 40.0%) among those who underwent sweeping. No significant differences were found in PROM, fetal distress, or low birth weight between groups.

Conclusion: Membrane sweeping was found to be an effective and safe method for inducing spontaneous labour in pregnant women at term, significantly reducing the need for caesarean delivery. It serves as a simple, low-cost, and non-pharmacological option to encourage natural onset of labour