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Contact VickiYour medical caregivers will tell you that a stretch and sweep is not considered an “intervention” as such, because it doesn’t involve drugs, so it is natural.
However, anything that is trying to start labour (other than your own body) is an “intervention” and has risks.
The stretch and sweep success rate is not very high.
A stretch and sweep is performed from 38 weeks (sometimes even as early as 37 weeks) and studies show that only 24% of women will go into labour within 48 hours of having a stretch and sweep.
Your midwife or Obstetrician will insert their gloved index finger into your vagina and in through the cervix.
The cervix has to be “favourable,” which means it is soft and stretchy and slightly open to get the finger inside.
Once inside, the finger is moved around in a circular motion (sweep) inside the cervix to separate the membranes (amniotic sac) from the cervix.
This is a way of triggering the release of prostaglandins, which may initiate labour – but more often than not it doesn’t.
The stretch is the massage and stretching open or movement of the cervix with the finger to again trigger the release of prostaglandins.
Stretch & Sweep Benefits
Stretch & Sweep Risks
Here are the RANZCOG Guidelines for Induction of Labour in Australia and New Zealand.
RANZCOG GUIDELINES – CLICK HERE
My name is Vicki Hobbs and I am a Childbirth Educator (Back to Basics Birthing), Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioner, Certified VBAC Educator, Remedial Massage Therapist specialising in Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Certified Placenta Encapsulator, Hypnotherapist, Aromatherapist, Reiki Practitioner and Life Coach. I am a serial workshopper and learner, so that I keep up to date with new research and information so that I can provide you with up to date resources. My focus has always been on the mind, the body and the emotions and how they all need to be in balance for harmony. You can subscribe to my newsletter by adding your details in the box on the right-hand side and when you do I will send you a free relaxation meditation to help you feel calm and relaxed. I am based in the northern suburbs of Perth and can be contacted by email at [email protected] or phone (08) 9303 9111 or click here to go back to my Blog Page for more great articles and information.
(Header image courtesy of: www.newhealthadvisor.com)
If you have any questions or would just like more information please don't hesitate to get in touch by clicking the button below and filling out the contact form.
Contact Vicki