As your due date approaches, your midwife might say “I’ll just do a quick stretch & sweep!” If this happens, STOP and think. This is a red flag!
For a start, saying “I’ll just do” does not allow for informed consent & any procedure MUST be done with consent. Birth Rights (2017) say "Consent is required for every medical procedure, however minor. The fact that you have consented to a particular procedure in the past does not mean that you consent automatically to the same procedure again. Consent must be sought each time a procedure is performed."
A Stretch & Sweep Is Not Essential Towards The End Of Pregnancy
In the UK and in many other countries around the world, lots of midwives will “offer” a stretch & sweep towards the end of pregnancy, from around 38-41 weeks. It is often suggested that a stretch & sweep is a standard process for all pregnant women and involves very few risks. However, a stretch & sweep is part of the induction process and if you CONSENT to one, it’s important to know what you’re consenting to. It is NOT the law to accept one, you do not have to have one and it is perfectly acceptable to say no thank you, if you want to.
What is a Stretch & Sweep?
A stretch and sweep or membrane sweep as they are sometimes called, is a procedure that is carried out at the end of pregnancy, to try and encourage labour to start. Stretch & Sweeps are often offered towards the end of pregnancy, because you're told it’s hospital policy, you’re approaching your due date or past your due date, you fall into a “high risk” category (what exactly is considered high risk anyway?) or just because the midwife loves to do them!
Stretch & Sweep’s involve a vaginal examination, where a midwife or doctor will insert a gloved finger into the cervix and make a circular sweeping motion to separate the amniotic fluid that surround the baby, from the cervix. They can be uncomfortable and do not guarantee that your labour will begin. For some women, stretch & sweep’s can get contractions started, but these are not the same kind of contractions that you will experience when labour begins naturally. Interfering with the natural flow of hormones during labour can have knock on consequences, not just for birth, but postnatally too.
What Happens After A Stretch & Sweep?
The stretch & sweep has annoyed your cervix & caused it to become inflamed and become angry. This causes a spike in prostaglandins and makes those muscles of the uterus contract, but not necessarily with progressive results that would make the cervix soften, thin and dilate. A stretch and sweep can cause light bleeding and mild cramping before labour might begin. If labour does begin, this could happen around 24-48 hours after having a stretch and sweep. However, if labour does begin after having a stretch and sweep, it's not the same experience that women experience when they go into labour naturally, (spontaneous labour). The contractions are not as effective and can just make you feel tired, distress your baby & make you feel uncomfortable.
Informed Decisions For Membrane Sweeps
If you agree to a membrane sweep, make sure that you fully understand the process and the potential risks. It’s not “just” a quick stretch & sweep. It can have consequences that you might not have been made aware of. For lots of women, a stretch and sweep does not work and it can increase the risk of infection. You might also be offered a 2nd or even 3rd membrane sweep, if the 1st doesn't work. Remember it is your choice whether you would like to accept a membrane sweep. Make sure that you make an informed decision and fully weigh up the risks and benefits of starting labour before it's ready, versus waiting until your body and baby decide that it is time.
Making informed decisions during pregnancy is really important and I can help you to do just this. My Hypnobirthing courses and Doula support packages can provide you with all the evidence, research & information that you need to make the right decisions for you and your baby. Knowing your options, rights and feeling confident to make your own choices, can massively make a difference to your birth experience. With my support, I can help you to have the positive birth experience that you desire.
Visit my website to find out more and see how I can help you to go from feeling confused, to confident, anxious to excited!
Julia x