31/01/2026
๐ Membrane stretch and sweeps, yo have or not to have?
๐ Research shows low quality evidence it works, but more importantly its about you having informed choice, information and consent.
๐ We discuss this further during my hypnobirthing courses.
๐ Want to know more about my Next Hypnobirthing course on 4th Feb or 4th March? Bob me a WhatsApp 07310 660526 and lets arrange a chat
Laura ๐
Membrane sweeping is a form of induction of labour.
A membrane sweep is also called a stretch and sweep, or sometimes just "a sweep."
It's an intervention that you may be offered towards the end of pregnancy.
As with all interventions, it's up to you whether you have it or not.
How does it work? A midwife or doctor will, while doing a vaginal examination, sweep a finger around and/or within the opening of your cervix (the lowest part of your womb).
As with all interventions, there are pros and cons. Membrane sweeping can cause pain, discomfort, bleeding and infection.
We don't really know if it works. Some studies show it may work. Others don't. The evidence is of low quality.
It is always a good idea to get informed
before you decide what's right for you.
If you'd like to know more, there's a blog post on membrane sweeping on www.sarawickham.com
It's called "What is a stretch and sweep?" and you can find it at https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/what-is-a-stretch-and-sweep/
In it, I explain more about membrane sweeping, the pros and cons and some of the things you might want to know before you decide whether or not it's right for you.
I hope it helps.