title: Amniotic membrane sweeping.
abstract: Amniotic membrane sweeping or stripping is a safe and effective method of labor induction supported by national obstetrical organizations. While its use dates back to antiquity by both midwives and physicians there are still areas that need further research to define its role in induction of labor. A review of the literature reveals that amniotic membrane sweeping is a safe, effective, and inexpensive method of labor induction. It can be done in the outpatient setting with minimal risks so long as it is avoided in patients with contraindications. Amniotic membrane sweeping can be performed in Group B Streptococcus-positive women with studies showing no increase in untoward outcomes. However, there is no data in women infected with HIV or hepatitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Care Health System, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Rd, P.O. Box 6001, Newark, DE 19718.
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Heilman
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Care Health System, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Rd, P.O. Box 6001, Newark, DE 19718. Electronic address: esushereba@christianacare.org.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sushereba
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000650:Amnion / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000266:history / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000266:history / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011273:Pregnancy, Prolonged / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: amniotic membrane sweeping; induction; membrane stripping