Stretch and sweep what is it

The stretch and sweep is a controversial procedure for a number of reasons. It has potential downsides as well as potential benefits. Some women have found that this procedure is offered or suggested during an antenatal visit without much prior discussion. And, shockingly, sometimes it is suggested while a midwife or doctor is in the middle of a vaginal examination. This is not OK. Neither is it OK for someone to do this without your full consent. A recent review of the literature on this has confirmed some of these things.

This is concerning, especially in the context of rising rates of formal induction of labour. Further research is needed to investigate how women are being offered membrane sweeping and what information women need to make informed choices about membrane sweeping to promote spontaneous labour. You can always say no to anything that you do not want, and if you are not sure about the implications of agreeing to an examination or procedure, then ask. If you feel you need to know more about that, please see this book.

It raises some fascinating questions which I often discuss with midwives, doctors, doulas, childbirth educators and others. Or is it an unnecessary interference in pregnancy? Is it an induction method itself?

The prevalence of this intervention, however, would seem to have increased, at least according to many of those who come to my talks and workshops. In addition, the point at which a stretch and sweep is offered has moved forward. I know of some employed midwives who are expected to start discussing this from 37 weeks of pregnancy.

And midwifery students tell me that more time is spent teaching them how to carry out a stretch and sweep than on helping them learn how to discuss the pros and cons of this. Want to know more about induction of labour and the options that are available?

Sara Wickham outlines the process of induction, looks at the evidence for different indications and helps both lay people and those who help women make decisions to better understand the pros and cons. But, again, this is based on the assumption that everyone will agree to induction.

Also, as the induction epidemic continues and this is offered earlier and in more situations, the effectiveness of the stretch and sweep as a means of reducing the induction rate may decline. However, the study did find that women who underwent stretch and sweep reported symptoms such as bleeding, irregular contractions, and discomfort during vaginal examination. This is sometimes known as your water breaking.

Some women can have irregular contractions, and they may not necessarily lead to labor. Only a licensed professional should do it. Women who wish to go into labor naturally may prefer this option when compared to medical induction.

This is because there are risks if your pregnancy goes past 42 weeks. For example, the placenta may not be able to provide enough oxygen to your baby at 42 weeks. Talk to your doctor about options to stimulate labor, and the risks and benefits. Labor induction is a procedure in which your doctor uses methods to help you go into labor.

What is precipitous labor, and who is at risk? What should you do if it's happening to you? Read up and make a plan in case it happens to you. Please check and try again Agree to Terms required. Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. Your name: is required Error: This is required. Your email: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value.

Send to: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. On this page What is a stretch and sweep? When is a stretch and sweep offered? What to expect from a stretch and sweep What are the benefits and risks of a stretch and sweep?

Related information on Australian websites What is a stretch and sweep? What to expect from a stretch and sweep The procedure is carried out by a midwife or doctor as part of an internal vaginal examination. They put a couple of lubricated, gloved fingers into your vagina and insert their index finger into the opening of the cervix or neck of your womb They then use a circular movement to try to separate the membranes of the amniotic sac, containing the baby, from your cervix.

Afterwards you might experience: discomfort mild or occasionally strong pain slight bleeding cramps or irregular contractions Take paracetamol and have a warm bath if you are in pain.

The process can be repeated if labour does not start over the next couple of days. What are the benefits and risks of a stretch and sweep? Back To Top. As with any time in your pregnancy, if you experience leaking fluid or heavy bleeding afterwards, call your healthcare provider. The massage will help stimulate the area and hopefully soften the cervix. Campbell says some of her patients describe a stretch and sweep as uncomfortable, while others call it painful.

Later that day, you may have period-like cramps along with some light spotting, which is all normal. Giving birth What you need to know before your membrane sweep The stretch and sweep, or membrane sweep, done late in pregnancy can help you go into labour sooner.

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