A cross-sectional study for induction to delivery interval with sweeping of membrane followed by misoprostol

Background: Post-term pregnancy carries increased maternal and neonatal risks, necessitating timely and effective induction. Membrane sweeping is a simple mechanical technique that promotes endogenous prostaglandin release and may enhance the cervical-ripening effect of misoprostol. This study evaluated whether membrane sweeping before misoprostol improves induction outcomes in term nulliparous women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 78 low-risk nulliparous women ≥40 weeks. Group 1 (n=39) received misoprostol alone, and group 2 (n=39) underwent membrane sweeping followed by misoprostol. Primary outcome was the induction-to-delivery interval; secondary outcomes included latency period, induction-to-full dilatation, labor duration, oxytocin requirement, maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes. Standard statistical tests and logistic regression were applied using IBM SPSS v1.0.0.1406. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable (mean age 26.47 years, BMI 23.38 kg/m2, gestational age 40.32 weeks, Bishop score 4.37). Membrane sweeping significantly shortened duration of labor and time to full dilatation (p