Membrane solution

A ruptured amniotic sac is when a midwife uses two fingers to separate the very bottom part of the amniotic sac from the inside of the uterus without puncturing the amniotic sac. The baby remains safe and sound in the amniotic fluid, inside the entire amniotic sac.

Why membrane dissolution?

The purpose of the rupture of membranes is to support the body's path towards going into labor. If the body is ready, the rupture of membranes releases some hormones that help to ripen the cervix - that is, it softens and begins to shorten. If the body is super ready to go into labor, you may have contractions that lead to labor after having the membranes ruptured.

When is membrane dissolution performed?

As a general rule, membranes are ruptured from week 40+0 of pregnancy (due date) onwards. It is not a must, but an option. There may be a few reasons to have membranes ruptured before due date. For example, you may need to be induced before or on due date due to illness or other reasons. In that case, membranes will often be offered if your body is ready. If you have given birth before, there is a greater likelihood that membranes can be ruptured.

How does the membrane rupture?

The midwife uses two fingers to check whether your cervix and mouth have begun to ripen for birth. Specifically, this means whether your cervix is ​​soft and has begun to recede, and whether your mouth has gradually begun to open. If this is the case, the midwife can use one or two fingers to reach up through the mouth and use circular movements to loosen the membranes from the lower part of the uterus. This releases the hormone prostaglandin, which is an active player in the onset of labor.

For some, being examined internally can be associated with insecurity or memories of previous unpleasant experiences (gynecological examinations, borderline sexual experiences or other). The midwife examines you completely at your own pace and with great respect for your boundaries. Safety is important when it comes to your body. If it goes too fast or is uncomfortable, tell me - it's completely okay!

Before the membranes rupture, your abdomen will be felt. This will examine how your baby is turning, whether the baby is descending into the pelvis, and the baby's weight will be assessed. The heartbeat will also be listened to.

Are there any risks with rupture of membranes?

Every woman is different, so the body's reactions to the rupture of membranes will also vary. Some experience increasing contractions that actively ripen and soften the cervix further. Others feel menstrual-like murmurs. Some feel nothing after a rupture of membranes, and then there are those where the rupture of membranes was just what was needed for labor to begin.

It is normal to experience light spotting after a ruptured membrane. The bleeding comes from the small blood vessels in the cervix and mouth of the uterus.

Some women get super scared to see a little blood on the toilet paper. Partly because there have been months without menstruation, partly because bleeding is associated with something being wrong. And then there are those who have experienced one or more bleeding episodes early in pregnancy. All feelings are ok! Dear, don't go through them alone. If you get scared, call the maternity ward. Often, a 5-10 minute chat with a midwife can provide important peace of mind and nervous system.

Can everyone get a hysterectomy?

This requires that your cervix and uterine opening are just ripe enough for a midwife to reach 1-2 fingers up to the membranes. In that case, it is possible to perform a rupture of membranes.

If your baby is lying with his/her bottom down, or the placenta is located low or in front of the cervix, the membranes will not rupture.

Is there a guarantee of going into labor after rupture of membranes?

No, there is no guarantee that you will go into labor after a ruptured membrane. It depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy, whether you have given birth before, and how many and how strong your contractions were in the latter part of your pregnancy, as they help to prepare your body for labor.

Several studies have shown that getting multiple membrane solutions every few days reduces the need for induction. There is no limit to how many membrane solutions you can get.

Dear you, I wish you and yours the best birth.

Most affectionately

Siff Stephenson, HeartMidwife