Effectiveness of Single Fetal Membrane Sweeping in Reducing Elective Labor Induction for Postdate Pregnancies (38+0 to 40+6 Weeks): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

backgroundPostdate pregnancy is characterized by a heightened risk for both maternal and perinatal complications. Owing to the risks, clinicians frequently turn to elective labor induction as a management strategy for postdate pregnancies. However, patients are increasingly informed and apprehensive about this approach and its associated risks. This has prompted a search for alternative management methods that may encourage spontaneous labor in pregnant women. One such approach is the use of fetal membrane sweeping, a method known to increase the likelihood of spontaneous labor onset. Yet, it remains unclear whether a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure can effectively reduce the need for elective labor induction in postdate pregnancies while minimizing risks to both the mother and fetus.

objectivesThe primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure conducted between 38+0 and 40+6 weeks of gestation in reducing the rate of elective labor induction among postdate pregnancies at Central Hospital Benin City, Nigeria. Secondary objectives included evaluating the impact of membrane sweeping on maternal and perinatal outcomes. METHODOLOGY: This open-label superiority randomized controlled study was carried out from June 2020 to March 2021, following ethical approval from the Hospital Management Board (HMB). One hundred and forty eligible participants, without contraindications to vaginal delivery, were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group received a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure between 38+0 and 40+6 weeks of gestation, while the control group underwent vaginal examination only to assess the Bishop score. Participants were monitored until delivery. Data analysis was performed. Results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

resultsThe implementation of a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure effectively reduced the incidence of elective labor induction. Specifically, the membrane sweep group exhibited a significantly lower rate of elective labor induction compared to the control group (9.0% vs. 27.1%; p=0.0083). Moreover, a substantial proportion of the treatment group (91.4%) experienced spontaneous labor, while the control group reported a rate of 72.9%. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.0054). Notably, the control group exhibited a significantly longer mean time interval from recruitment to delivery (10.67±3.51 days) than the membrane sweeping group (3.64±4.123 days; p<0.05). Also, postdate women in the membrane sweep group were less likely to require cervical ripening with Foley's catheter than those in the control group (33.3% vs. 100%; RR: 0.33 (0.11-1.03); p=0.0057). Still, maternal satisfaction was significantly higher in the membrane-sweeping group (p<0.01). No significant differences were noted across the groups in maternal and neonatal outcomes.

conclusionIn low-risk term pregnancies, a single fetal membrane sweeping procedure is a superior alternative to no membrane sweeping in reducing the rate of elective labor induction for postdate pregnancies and in shortening the duration of term pregnancy.