Stretch and sweep

A 'stretch and sweep' or 'membrane sweep' is a way of trying to start labour.

It's a simple procedure where the membranes of the sac around your baby are

Your midwife or doctor may suggest a stretch and sweep when you are close to or past your due date

You may also be offered a stretch and sweep before being induced.

This should be a shared decision, where you make decisions together with your midwife or doctor.

Your healthcare team will explain the procedure to you. You can ask any questions you may have before choosing whether to give your informed consent. You do not have to have a stretch and sweep — it's your choice. You may choose to wait for labour to start on its own.

You will not be offered a stretch and sweep if:

• you have a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia)
• your baby is not head down, unless you are planning for a vaginal breech birth
• you have a vaginal infection
• your waters have broken

A stretch and sweep is safe, even if you have had a positive group B streptococcus (GBS) test result.

However, it may not be safe if you have HIV or active genital herpes (Opens in new tab).

Your doctor or midwife may recommend another method for the birth if there are concerns for you or your baby's health or safety.

The procedure is done by a midwife or doctor as part of an internal vaginal exam.

Using gloves and lubricant gel, they will insert their finger into your vagina and check that your cervix is open.

If your cervix is open, they will then be able to sweep their finger around to try to separate the membranes from the wall of your uterus.

If you find the procedure too uncomfortable, you can ask them to stop at any time. If you ask them to stop, they should stop. You should feel safe to advocate for yourself and your clinician should listen to you.

Learn more about your healthcare rights (Opens in new tab).

After the stretch and sweep, you might experience a 'show' — this is a plug of mucus that comes out of your cervix. You might see some blood mixed in with the clear mucus.

You might have some cramps or contractions after a stretch and sweep. This is a sign that the prostaglandin hormones that help to prepare your body for labour have been released.

You can take paracetamol (Opens in new tab) and have a warm bath if you are uncomfortable. Always follow the instructions on the packet or speak to your midwife or doctor for advice.

If the stretch and sweep works, you can expect to go into labour within 48 hours.

If you don't go into labour, the procedure can be repeated over the next couple of days.

Your doctor or midwife may also talk to you about being induced.

If your pregnancy is low risk, a stretch and sweep is a safe procedure — for both you and your baby. It can be done during a routine appointment, and you can usually go home afterwards.

Speak to your healthcare team to find out if this procedure is right for you.

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, there is very little risk involved in having a stretch and sweep.

However, it can be uncomfortable. It can also cause vaginal bleeding and irregular contractions.

Ask your doctor or midwife about the benefits and risks that apply to you, before agreeing to have a stretch and sweep.

Questions to ask your doctor or midwife

• Is my body ready for labour?
• What will happen during a stretch and sweep?
• What are the risks and benefits of this?
• How can I manage any pain I get?
• Where will I be for the stretch and sweep?
• What if it doesn't work?
• How long is it safe to wait before inducing labour?

Talk with your midwife or doctor if you'd like more information on stretch and sweep.

Read the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists information sheet about induction of labour (Opens in new tab).