Is a burning sensation common after a membrane sweep?

Burning Sensation After Membrane Sweep: Normal or Concerning?

A burning sensation after a membrane sweep is a common and normal side effect that affects many women, particularly due to the mechanical irritation of the cervical tissue during the procedure.

What is a Membrane Sweep?

A membrane sweep is a mechanical method of cervical ripening performed at term gestation with the aim of:

• Initiating labor naturally
• Avoiding prolonged pregnancy
• Reducing the need for formal induction of labor

During this procedure, a healthcare provider inserts one or two fingers into the cervix and uses a continuous circular sweeping motion to detach the inferior pole of the membranes from the lower uterine segment 1.

Common Sensations After Membrane Sweep

Many women experience various sensations following a membrane sweep:

• Discomfort: Reported by approximately 63% of women as moderate discomfort during and after the procedure 2
• Burning sensation: A common sensation due to the mechanical irritation of sensitive cervical tissue
• Irregular contractions: Can occur as the body responds to the release of prostaglandins
• Light bleeding or spotting: Due to the physical manipulation of the cervix

Why Burning Occurs

The burning sensation is primarily attributed to:

1. Mechanical irritation of the sensitive cervical tissue
2. Release of prostaglandins that can cause local inflammation
3. Stretching of the cervical canal during the procedure

When to Be Concerned

While burning sensations are common, you should contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe pain rather than just discomfort
• Heavy bleeding (more than light spotting)
• Fever or chills (which could indicate infection)
• Decreased fetal movement
• Rupture of membranes with discolored or foul-smelling fluid

Patient Perception and Satisfaction

Despite the discomfort:

• Approximately 65% of women believe membrane sweeping helped them go into labor 2
• Over 80% would recommend the procedure to other pregnant women 2
• In one study, 88% of women questioned postnatally indicated they would choose membrane sweeping in a subsequent pregnancy 1

Effectiveness of Membrane Sweeping

Research shows membrane sweeping is associated with:

• Spontaneous onset of labor within 7 days in the majority of patients (73-76%) 2
• 17% reduction in the need for formal induction methods 3
• More effective results with higher Bishop scores (97% spontaneous labor rate with Bishop score >6) 2
• Twice-weekly sweeping appears more effective than once-weekly for preventing post-term pregnancy 4

While a burning sensation after a membrane sweep may be uncomfortable, it is a normal physiological response to the procedure and typically resolves within 24-48 hours without specific treatment.