Midwife Nikki replies:  A membrane sweep can start labour within 48 hours and is a good form of natural induction. It can be uncomfortable as the cervix, or womb entrance, may be difficult to reach.

The midwife or doctor will examine you and sweep a finger around your cervix. This helps separate the membranes around your baby from your cervix and releases a hormone called prostaglandin which helps start labour.

It's normal to have some slight blood-spotting and irregular contractions immediately afterwards.