A sweep can also decrease the length of your pregnancy by between one and four days and some studies show that it can reduce your chances of needing medical induction.įirst of all, a sweep should only ever be performed with your informed consent. Research has shown that approximately one of eight women who had a sweep and were at least 40 weeks went into labour within 48 hours. First, your cervix is checked to see how effaced (thinned) and dilated it is and then, by using a firm circular motion, the membranes are separated from the cervix. It is performed by inserting a gloved finger into your vagina and into the cervix. A sweep is generally indicated before using medical induction methods and works by stimulating the production of prostaglandin, the hormone that prepares your cervix for labour. After all, this is a procedure that you have to consent to!ĭespite the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and the NICE Guidelines, which do not recommend intervention in a low risk pregnancy until between 41 and 42 weeks, most hospitals have a policy of medical induction around 10 days after the estimated due date (41 + 3).
It seems like a simple way to get things going but there are a few things you should know before making an informed decision. You’re around your due date, feel VERY pregnant, heavy and uncomfortable and you feel like you would try anything to have this baby right now. Then your health care provider offers you a membrane sweep, also known as stretch and sweep or stripping the membranes to bring on labour. I was offered a sweep, does it work? HOW does it work? Are there any risks? And even more importantly, does it hurt?
This is a question that is asked over and over again.
0 kommentar(er)
