What’s a stretch & sweep?

Stretch & Sweeps, also known as membrane sweeps, are a mechanical form of induction of labour.

The act of separating the membranes from the cervix is a stimulation done with the aim of kick starting labour.

But does it actually work?!

According to studies, sweeps carry a 12.5% success rate (so 1 in 8 peep may go into labour following a sweep).

What the evidence also shows is that you would probably have gone into labour within 24hrs anyway!!!

Ermm.. Should I have one then?!

That, our dear reader friend, is completely up to you! Here at NBC we stand by the fact that there are NO natural methods of induction of labour.

You should always consider all the risks and benefits before making a decision… and because we are nice we have made a list for you

Benefits:

• It may help you avoid a medical induction of labour using artificial hormones (loads more info on medical induction of labour in our Instagram and Induction of Labour workshop)

• It may give you an insight of what your cervix is doing at that moment in time (If you need more info on this, you should totes check out our Birth Physiology workshop)

Risks:

• Infection (inserting anything in the vagina can make foreign bacteria travel up the birth canal)

• Accidental rupture of you membranes (aka your waters breaking). This could lead to a shiz load of interventions

• Bleeding, which could then raise your cortisol levels

• Pain

• Irritation of the area, which may cause regular and painful contractions but that aren’t actually labour

• It may not work

• It could lead to increased anxiety and frustration

Remember…

It is always your decision.

Always ask yourself WHY you want to bring pregnancy to an end before the baby is ready to come out.

We are here to help you navigate the ins and outs of the care that is offered to you. Book a consultation to find out more about our in person or remote doula support. We are here for you!