What is a Stretch & Sweep?
A stretch and sweep, or membrane sweep, is a way of bringing on labour if you are overdue and things just aren’t happening. You may also be offered one if there is any risk to you or your baby’s health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or obstetric cholestasis.
It will be one of the first things your midwife will offer to you, before other methods of induction.
When will I be offered one?
Induction is offered to all women who don’t go into labour naturally by 42 weeks as there is a higher risk of stillbirth or problems for the baby.
If you're a first-time mum, you may be offered a membrane sweep at your antenatal appointment at 40 weeks and again at 41 weeks.
Some midwives will offer a membrane sweep every 72 hours (three days). If this isn't your first baby, you should be offered a membrane sweep at your 41-week antenatal appointment.
What is a sweep?
A sweep is when a midwife or doctor sweeps their finger around the edges of your cervix with the aim of separating the membranes of the amniotic sac from your cervix. This can stimulate the release of hormones (prostaglandins), which may start labour.
What is a stretch?
If a sweep isn’t possible, a midwife may be able to stretch or massage your cervix which may help it soften and start to dilate. If this happens, your midwife may be able to carry out a sweep at your next appointment.
Does a sweep hurt?
Your cervix can be hard to reach before labour has started so it can be uncomfortable and will be painful for some women. If you have been practicing breathing or hypnobirthing techniques during your pregnancy you may find it useful to use these.
Some women experience spotting, cramping or contractions after a sweep. All of these are normal, and will not cause any harm to you or your baby.
Do I have to have one?
No, you can decline the offer of a sweep if you’d rather try less invasive ways of starting labour. However, if there are any health risks to you or your baby you will need to speak to your midwife or doctor about your options.
It is your birth and you can make your own choices.
How fast will labour start?
A sweep may start labour within 48 hours but it does not always work. If labour does not start you will be offered induction of labour. This will take place in a maternity unit and will involve inserting a pessary or gel into the vagina to soften the cervix.
It may take a while and some hospitals will allow you to go home while you wait for contractions to start.
Sometimes a hormone drip is needed start labour. If labour does not start you may be offered another induction or a caesarean section.
More information
You can read more about stretch and sweeps in this NHS Article
