Taken from
here
membrane sweeping is done by your midwife
or doctor. While internally examining
you, he or she will simply "sweep" a
finger around the neck of your womb
(cervix). The aim is to separate the
membranes around your baby from your
cervix. This releases hormones called
prostaglandins, which may kick-start your
labour.
A membrane sweep increases the likelihood
that labour will start within 48 hours.
It has a higher chance of working if the
neck of your womb is already softening and
preparing for labour. It does not
increase the risk of infection to either
you or your baby.
A membrane sweep can be uncomfortable as
the neck of the womb is often difficult to
reach before labour begins and there may
be some slight "spotting" of blood and
irregular contractions immediately
afterwards.
Good luck!
