The separation or detachment of membranes is a maneuver performed by gynecologists or midwives when the pregnancy has come to an end and the conditions of the cervix are favorable to dilation and onset of labor. That is, when there is some dilation and the neck has matured and softened, apart from the fact that there is no complication in pregnancy.
This simple procedure could be useful for starting the birth process once the expected date has elapsed before resorting to other induction procedures, although it is not always effective. The separation or detachment of membranes, also known as Hamilton's maneuver, involves inserting a finger into the vagina and passing it around the cervix. The purpose is to detach from the cervix the membranes that surround the baby.
By this maneuver, therefore, the lower pole of the membranes (which connect the amniotic sac to the wall of the uterus) is detached from the lower uterine segment by a circular movement of the examining finger.
The separation of membranes causes the release of hormones called prostaglandins, which help trigger labor. This increases the possibility that labor will begin in the next 48 hours, and the likelihood would be greater the more tender and preparing for labor the cervix is. Studies indicate that membrane detachment in some cases reduces the need for other methods of inducing labor.
The detachment of the membranes can be somewhat more painful than a normal touch. Small losses of blood and irregular contractions may occur immediately after the procedure.
It is a maneuver that does not have to be effective in all cases, I was practiced and until more than a week later I did not give birth, so there is no relationship between the two facts.
Of course, Membrane detachment should be a procedure that is performed with the consent of the mother, who may not want to try to speed up the process or simply does not want to go through this kind of touch that can cause discomfort as we have indicated.
