![]() ![]() People usually opt for a sweep as a way of encouraging labour to start or progress more quickly. If your body is not about to go into labour, a sweep may not be possible. The extent to which this can be carried out will, in part, depend upon how far your cervix has progressed and how much your cervix has dilated (opened) in preparation for birth. Your midwife will try to separate the membranes from your cervix. ![]() But what are they? And what are the benefits and the risks of having one? What is a sweep?Ī sweep is carried out by your midwife by manually inserting a (gloved) finger into your vagina and sweeping around your cervix (the lowest part of your womb) and if possible, inside the opening of your cervix. Many women have sweeps in late pregnancy and it is something that has become pretty routine. Or not.A stretch and sweep (also known as "membrane sweeping" or just as a "sweep") is one of the most widespread interventions in pregnancy and labour. So it’s up to you to make a choice! Remember, it is your decision whether you have a sweep. AROM (articifial rupture of membranes) is a method of induction and has its own risks, including the introduction of pathogens into the vagina and the uterus. This can lead to longer labours and, in some cases, medical inductions and further interventions. In about 10% of all cases, membranes are accidentally ruptured during a sweep. While most women say that they experienced only slight discomfort during a sweep, others find it quite painful. It can also cause bleeding and irregular contractions that do not progress into labour. ![]() Unless you are at least 1 cm dilated, it can’t be done.Īfter a sweep you will most likely lose some or all of your mucous plug. ![]() Should you decide this is NOT for you, you absolutely have the right to politely decline and go your way.Ī sweep can’t always be performed. Your health care provider should advise you of all the pros and cons associated with the procedure and should give you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. A sweep can also decrease the length of your pregnancy by between one and four days and some studies show that it can reduce your chances of needing medical induction.įirst of all, a sweep should only ever be performed with your informed consent. Research has shown that approximately one of eight women who had a sweep and were at least 40 weeks went into labour within 48 hours. First, your cervix is checked to see how effaced (thinned) and dilated it is and then, by using a firm circular motion, the membranes are separated from the cervix. It is performed by inserting a gloved finger into your vagina and into the cervix. A sweep is generally indicated before using medical induction methods and works by stimulating the production of prostaglandin, the hormone that prepares your cervix for labour. After all, this is a procedure that you have to consent to!ĭespite the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and the NICE Guidelines, which do not recommend intervention in a low risk pregnancy until between 41 and 42 weeks, most hospitals have a policy of medical induction around 10 days after the estimated due date (41 + 3). It seems like a simple way to get things going but there are a few things you should know before making an informed decision. You’re around your due date, feel VERY pregnant, heavy and uncomfortable and you feel like you would try anything to have this baby right now. Then your health care provider offers you a membrane sweep, also known as stretch and sweep or stripping the membranes to bring on labour. I was offered a sweep, does it work? HOW does it work? Are there any risks? And even more importantly, does it hurt? This is a question that is asked over and over again. ![]()
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