HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

STRIPPING THE MEMBRANES Stripping the membranes, also known as a membrane sweep, is a procedure your health care provider can do in their office. During a vaginal exam, one finger passes through the cervix and in a circular motion separates the amniotic sac from the wall of the uterus. This causes your body to release oxytocin, which causes contractions. This procedure is not always successful and can be quite uncomfortable. It may also cause some bloody vaginal discharge.

BREAKING YOUR WATER

AMNIHOOK

BAG OF WATERS

ARTIFICIAL MEMBRANE RUPTURE If your water hasn’t broken, your health care provider may decide to artificially rupture the membrane (amniotic sac, bag of waters) to help labor begin. This procedure, called amniotomy, is done by inserting a small instrument called an amnihook into the cervical canal to rupture the sac. It is done in the birth facility. Because the amniotic sac has no nerve endings, this is generally painless. Amniotic fluid is generally clear to straw-colored but may sometimes contain bits of meconium . Meconium is a greenish‑brown material that is the baby’s first bowel movement. If there is meconium in the fluid, your provider will take extra actions to keep your baby from breathing in any of the fluid. PITOCIN Pitocin is a medication used to either start contractions or speed up labor. A set amount of Pitocin will be automatically delivered to you through an intravenous pump. You will need fetal monitoring if you receive Pitocin.

NIPPLE STIMULATION Scientific research has confirmed that massaging your nipples is an effective way to induce labor. It releases the hormone oxytocin in the body, encourages labor, and makes your contractions longer and stronger. You or your partner can stimulate your nipples manually or with a breast pump. Ask your health care provider if nipple stimulation is safe for you to try.

Pitocin concerns • Overstimulation of the uterus • Infection in you or your baby • Increased risk of cesarean birth • Uterine rupture

70 Your Guide to Labor and Birth