Effectiveness of Membrane Sweeping Combined with Cervical massage to Aid Cervical Softening

Applying gentle pressure to the cervix during cervical massage stimulates uterine contractions. Membrane sweeping, also referred to as cervical sweeping or membrane stripping, induces labor by releasing hormones that detach the amniotic sac from the uterine wall. While the efficacy of membrane sweeping has been demonstrated in various clinical trials, there is a lack of research on the combined effectiveness of cervical massage and membrane sweeping.

A recent study aimed to compare the efficacy of membrane sweeping alone and the combination of membrane sweeping with cervical massage – as methods for cervical ripening in post-dated pregnancies prior to labor induction in specialized clinics. 

This experimental study included 150 low-risk singleton pregnancies with a Modified Bishop Score (MBS) of less than five at 38 weeks of gestation. Participants were randomly categorized into the experimental group – who underwent membrane sweeping along with cervical massage and the control group – who received only membrane sweeping. Changes in the MBS 48 hours post-intervention were used to assess cervical favorability. Neonatal morbidity, membrane rupture, intrapartum and postpartum infections, and other complications were also evaluated. 

It was found that the mean ages and MBS of primigravidae in both research groups were comparable at the time of induction. Following the intervention, the mean MBS in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group – indicating a notable improvement in cervical favorability among primigravidae in the experimental group. Adverse effects and neonatal morbidity in the experimental group were similar to the control group, except for a higher incidence of cardiotocographic abnormalities in the control group.

In cases where membrane sweeping is impeded due to a closed cervical os, the combination of cervical massage with membrane sweeping is effective and safe. This technique can be a valuable option in obstetric care, aiding cervical softening for post-dated pregnancies.

Source: Mylsamy K, Supriya S, Palanisamy N, Sekar S.Indian J ObstetGynecol Res. 2023Nov.