What is a Stretch and Sweep?
A stretch and sweep is also called a membrane sweep and is a way of trying to naturally start labour. You may have been offered a stretch and sweep, so here is everything you need to know.
What is a stretch and sweep?
A midwife or consultant will use their fingers via a vaginal examination to gently pull away the membranes from the wall of your uterus. This will release hormones called prostaglandins which prepare your cervix for birth and can therefore begin labour.
Who is offered a stretch and sweep?
A membrane sweep may be offered to you by your midwife after you are 39 weeks pregnant, as per the NICE Guidelines. Sometimes these may be offered sooner if there is a reason you might be offered an induction before your due date.
What does a sweep feel like?
Some women say that a sweep can be uncomfortable and some do say they feel some pain. If you’ve done The Birth Chapter then practicing your breathing techniques during the procedure can be a great practice! They can also trigger cramping in the hours that follow. The goal is that these cramps will develop into contractions; but they do not always. Some women experience bloody discharge after a sweep – if you are worried about the amount of bloody discharge or are worried it’s more than just bloody discharge then always call your maternity triage.
How effective is a stretch and sweep?
If the sweep is unsuccessful, you can have up to 3 in the community (with your midwife). You might be wondering the success rate of sweeps – research shows that membrane sweeps reduce the need for a medical induction in 1 in 8 people.
If labour does not start after a membrane sweep you may be offered an induction of labour.
Having a sweep is completely your choice and the deciding factors will be different for everyone. This is a brilliant time to utilise EBRAN to decide if you would like to accept or decline to have one.
Take a look at the blog Should I have a stretch and sweep? for more information. If you are currently hurdling towards your due date, or it has been and gone, take a look at out blog A Lazy Girl Guide to Kickstarting Labour.
