Does Repeated Membrane Sweeping for VBAC Make a Difference?

Weekly membrane sweeping was not beneficial for women who opted for vaginal birth after cesarean.

Membrane sweeping to hasten labor could be advantageous for women who undergo planned vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). To test this approach, investigators in Malaysia randomized 211 women with single transverse lower-segment cesarean scars to weekly membrane sweeping or no sweeping beginning at 36 weeks' gestation (women in the no-sweep group underwent weekly vaginal examinations). The protocol for planned VBAC allowed for hormonal induction of labor and no specific time limit for a trial of labor.

The sweep and no-sweep groups had similar rates of spontaneous labor (78% and 72%, respectively), induction of labor (12% and 10%), and all-cause cesarean delivery (40% and 44%); mean gestational age at delivery was 39.6 weeks for both groups…

Reviewing Author

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing

Does Repeated Membrane Sweeping for VBAC Make a Difference?

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Reviewing Author