What is a 'sweep'?

[KatieeJanee1]

Hello, I am completely clueless about this! This is my first pregnancy and I keep seeing the word 'sweep' come up in these threads, what does it mean? Please help

Erm basically when you go past your due date the midwife will use her fingers for an internal exam to see if she can get things started. I'm sure someone will come along in a moment with a more technical explanation :)

A MW will offer a vaginal exam at about 41w to see if she can help get things going.

They insert a finger into the cervix and 'sweep' around, to try to separate the membranes from the uterine wall. It can start labour within a couple of days (but it's not guaranteed by any means) if things are heading that way anyway.

www.babycentre.co.uk/x547818/what-is-a-membrane-sweep - gives a description

Thank you everyone! I am only 27 weeks so I'm glad this wasn't something I should have already known about/been doing haha!.. :)