If labour does not start you will be offered induction of labour.
It is your birth and you can make your own choices.Ī sweep may start labour within 48 hours but it does not always work. 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. No, you can decline the offer of a sweep if you’d rather try less invasive ways of starting labour. All of these are normal, and will not cause any harm to you or your baby. Some women experience spotting, cramping or contractions after a sweep. If you have been practicing breathing or hypnobirthing techniques during your pregnancy you may find it useful to use these. Your cervix can be hard to reach before labour has started so it can be uncomfortable and will be painful for some women. If this happens, your midwife may be able to carry out a sweep at your next appointment. 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. This can stimulate the release of hormones (prostaglandins), which may start labour. If this isn't your first baby, you should be offered a membrane sweep at your 41-week antenatal appointment.Ī 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. Some midwives will offer a membrane sweep every 72 hours (three days). 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. 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. It will be one of the first things your midwife will offer to you, before other methods of induction. 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. A stretch and sweep, or membrane sweep, is a way of bringing on labour if you are overdue and things just aren’t happening.