The SWEEP Trial Comparing Serial Membrane Sweeping to No Sweeping to Promote Spontaneous Labor in Pregnant Women at Term

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether performing serial membrane sweeping at term can increase the chances of spontaneous labor starting before 41 weeks and 3 days of pregnancy. This trial focuses on pregnant women with low-risk, single pregnancies and aims to provide clearer evidence on the effectiveness of membrane sweeping, a common procedure intended to promote labor by stimulating natural hormone release. Participants will be randomly assigned between 39 weeks and 5 days to 40 weeks and 2 days of pregnancy to either receive no membrane sweeping or up to three membrane sweeping procedures spaced 2 to 3 days apart. The membrane sweeping involves gently inserting fingers through the cervix and rotating them to separate the membranes, with cervical massage used if the cervix is closed. The control group will receive usual antenatal care without membrane sweeping until 41 weeks and 3 days unless medically needed. Throughout the study, researchers will collect data from medical records and ask participants to complete daily questionnaires about pregnancy symptoms and, for those receiving membrane sweeping, their experience with the procedure until birth. A follow-up questionnaire about birth experience will be completed 5 weeks after delivery. The main outcome measured is spontaneous labor resulting in birth before 41 weeks and 3 days. Safety and side effects like mild discomfort or spotting will be monitored, with no serious risks expected.

The SWEEP Trial: a Randomized Controlled Trial