What is a sweep?

[redexpat]

I keep reading on MN about midwives doing them and have no idea what they are. Am not in the UK so don't know if I can expect one. Please enlighten me.

bump :)
Was due yesterday and am seeing midwife tomorrow, will I be offered one? What actually is it...?

www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/labourandbirth/labour/membranesweepexpert/

Basically midwife puts her finger in you and sweep around your cervix.

I had it done at 41w1d and it hurt and it redone at 42w5d and it didn't hurt a bit (waters finally broke at 42w).

Marvellous. Thank you IssyStark.