By the time you reach the end of the third trimester, you may well be totally and utterly DONE with pregnancy. So when you’re offered a sweep, it might feel like a no-brainer.
But is it the right thing to do?
Let’s start at the beginning - what even is a sweep? A ‘sweep’ involves a midwife putting two fingers into your vagina and feeling your cervix. If the cervix is soft enough, they can move their fingers around and ‘sweep’ the membranes. This can release prostaglandin, a hormone which can help you cervix open, and *could* help bring on labour.
Why would I have a sweep?
There’s some evidence that sweeps can bring forward labour. For example, one study reported that 90 percent of women who had a membrane sweep delivered by 41 weeks, compared to 75 percent of women who didn't have one.
If a more formal, medicalised induction is something that’s being discussed, a sweep could mean this isn’t needed.
Why wouldn’t I have a sweep?
Sweeps can be uncomfortable/painful - although this can sometimes depends on the person performing them.
A sweep can irritate your uterus and lead to ‘false labour’ - irregular contractions which tire you out but don’t ultimately lead anywhere.
There’s a small chance (believed to be around 9%) that performing a sweep could break your waters. This can increase the chances of infection and lead to pressure for an induction (which might have been what you were trying to avoid in the first place)
Did you know, a sweep can only be done if your cervix is 1-2cm dilated? And if you’re 1-2cm dilated, then maybe your body is starting to get ready to give birth anyway…
So is a sweep a no-brainer? Membrane sweeps have benefits and risks, and are not “right”or “wrong”. Whether it’s right for you will completely depend on your circumstances and personal preference. As long as your choice is informed, it’s the right one.
Keep this handy so you can run through it if you're offered a sweep in pregnancy.
And if you’re interested in finding out more about how hypnobirthing can help you stay calm before and during antenatal appointments, as well as helping you work with your body during labour and giving you the power of knowledge and CONFIDENCE, check out my hypnobirthing courses here.
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