This is gently inserted into the mother’s vagina, through her cervix and is then positioned to snag or hook the membranes so a hole is made and the amniotic fluid flows out. This process requires a specially designed hook, which has a long handle and an end which looks like a crocheting hook. What does it mean to have your waters broken?Īrtificial rupture of the membranes ( ARM) is a different procedure to a stretch and sweep. Though sometimes this is inevitable, especially if the membranes are bulging and about to rupture spontaneously. They need to be careful that they do not break the membranes when they are doing this. The aim with a stretch and sweep is for the obstetrician or midwife is to rotate their finger in a sweeping and circular motion to a full 360 degrees. If the mother’s cervix is not open then another option is for the obstetrician/midwife to gently massage the cervix so that prostaglandins may be released. The cervix needs to be soft and slightly open already so that a finger can be inserted. Stretch refers to the process of stretching the cervix so it opens a little and sweep refers to separating the membranes from where they adhere around the cervix in the lower portion of the uterus. They will then feel for the membranes which are enclosing the baby and resting on your cervix. ![]() It also increases the likelihood of this being a painful, rather than uncomfortable procedure. A cervix which is high and closed is not ideal for a stretch and sweep. soft, beginning to dilate and effacing/ thinning. They will check if your cervix is what is known as “favourable” e.g. The midwife or doctor gently inserts two gloved fingers into your vagina and their forefinger through your cervix. If there is any change from normal or anything which does not seem right, then the stretch and sweep should not be done. The obstetrician or midwife will do an abdominal examination first and listen to the baby’s heartbeat. It is important to go to the toilet and empty your bladder beforehand. Parents need to feel fully informed of the benefits, risks and expected outcomes of having a stretch and sweep done. The midwife or obstetrician will explain the procedure and gain your consent. Sometimes a stretch and sweep causes contractions which don’t eventuate into labour but are painful nonetheless. Most women find they have a slight bleed and increase in mucousy vaginal discharge after the procedure.Having a stretch and sweep done can be painful, especially if the mother is not yet in labour.There is generally an increase in the risk of having a caesarean section delivery when a mother has any form of labour induction.When they start to breathe on their own their lungs need to inflate fully in order to breathe effectively. This helps with squeezing out excess amniotic fluid in and around their lungs. One of the many benefits for babies when they are born vaginally is that their lungs are gently compressed by the uterine contractions. There is no evidence to show that having a stretch and sweep done increases the risk of infection to a mother or her baby. These include issues with the baby being able to regulate their own temperature, low birth weight, breathing problems and difficulty feeding. However, if the mother’s due date has been inaccurately assessed and she is not yet due to have her baby then complications relating to prematurity can occur. Generally this procedure is considered a completely safe and effective way of stimulating contractions in early labour. To make the cervix more favourable for induction.These are produced by the uterus and cervix and help to make the uterus contract and for labour to occur. To release hormones known as prostaglandins. ![]()
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