Sweeping the Membranes, Cervical Length and Duration of Labor

The Impact of Sweeping the Membranes on Cervical Length and Labor: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Sweeping the membranes in term pregnancy may shorten the cervix and reduce the time to delivery.

Cervical length will be measured in both groups. The membranes will be swept in pregnancies beyond 38 weeks by digital examination in the study group. The control group will only be examined for Bishop score. Two days later cervical length will be Measured once more.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The patients who completed the 38th week of pregnancy, otherwise healthy gravida who have no contraindication to vaginal delivery.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who have chronic disease complicating pregnancy, multiple pregnancies and in whom vaginal delivery is contraindicated.