my midwife is giving me a sweep on weds for various reasons, i will be 39+2 - the babys head is not engaged (2nd baby) yet does that have an effect?
im not exactly sure what is involved either - i had an internal with dd to see how favourable for induction i was which REALLY hurt, is this the same thing?

Thanks in advance!

Umm, it's a bit unpleasant - midwife pokes her finger into your cervix and wiggles, basically. Doesn't really hurt but a bit {blush]. Well done for asking though - I turned up for mine having no idea what was going to happen and was quite . And no, can't say that mine 'worked' but maybe others have had more luck?

I meant a bit embarrassing!

did you have another one a few days later snotbuster? hmm i wish i would happen before then as im not looking forward to the pain, at least when your in labour and in pain you know that a baby is very imminent!

It depends if she can do it or not.
I had a cons attempt one at 39weeks and a mw attempt one at 40weeks, both times my cervix was incredibly favourable, just not at all dilated so it wasn't possible.
I also know quite a few ladies on my antenatal thread weren't able to have one so be warned she might not be able to do anything.

A sweep is where the midwife inserts a finger just inside the cervix and strips the membranes away from the cervix. This then stimulates the release of oxytocin which is the natural form of the Prostin Gel we give for induction. Its generally considered effective and research has shown that if its going to work, it will have an effect within 48hrs. Expect a bit of a show afterwards, maybe a bit of spotting and some period type pains. Good luck!

thank you victoriansqualor

I had one at 38 weeks, just before going into hospital to be induced. It was uncomfortable and afterwards I had some bloody mucus. I also had period-type pains and felt very weepy and emotional. The induction worked well though so I'd consider having one again!

Also head doesnt often engage until labour with second and subsequent babies so ignore that.
Do ask for your bishops score though.

It bloody hurt! I wouldn't have it done again unless I was more than a week overdue and was worried about them using more chemical means to induce me.

Had one when in early labour with dd, didn't hurt at all, maybe that was because I was already a couple of cm dilated though, did feel a bit odd but no pain.

thanks for the replies, i really hope i dont get as far as weds but im sure i will!

My dr gave me a sweep at 38 weeks during my first pregnancy (as I was in hospital anyway for high blood pressure). As he did it he told me it was really only an old wives' tale and prob wouldn't work. My waters broke 24 hours later... I'll def be asking for one again!

i had a sweep at 40+3 and it absolutely killed!!! but then my waters broke as the registrar pulled out her finger. i was told that she'd been 'very vigorous' with me. then had first contractions 4 hrs later and baby came 6 hours after that! so it was all worth it!

flashgirl - ouch!

hi pinacolada <<<GCG waves>>> I was just gonna post something similar when I saw you had beaten me to it!!! I see the MW tomorrow and I'm gonna ask for a sweep. Not sure if the fact I had my show this morning means she would be more or less likely to do it, does anyone know????

More likely!!! A show is a sign of your body preparing for birth and usually means your cervix is ripening. Very good time to have a sweep!

I had one at 40 weeks with DD2, hurt like hell I thought she was going to pull my tonsils out, did nothing though.

This time I am NOT having any sweeps.

I had one on my due date, although didn't know at the time that's what she was doing, hadn't heard of it and she didn't tell me that was what she was doing. She was examining me, I thought it was a bit uncomfortable and she seemed to be up there for a long time. She said I was 'ripe' (yuk) and that I might go into labour in the next 24 hours. I did.

middyme Thanks!!! that's cheered me up!!!

I'm going to ask for a sweep on the day after my due date if nothing has happened? (Currently 39+1) Do you think they're likely to give me one if I don't have a medical reason? Thanks for any advice.

I've had four (!) attempts, three for first pregnancy and one for the second, and don't be alarmed if they can't do it. You need to be a bit dilated for them to be able to insert finger in cervix. Two of the attempts, they couldn't do it. It didn't help with first birth, but I think it may have helped with second.

It hurt at different degree each time so don't be surprised if some women say it doesn't hurt and other say it's very painful. It helps to relax, and also to tilt your pelvis upwards - even put your hands or fists under your bum.

I had one but got an infection after it, and so I coudln't have a hmebirth.Would not recommend. Doctor who did it told be I was 3cm dilated anyway so would have gone into labour shortly anyway.

Hopefully not baiyu, if there is no medical reason the baby needs to come out, then leave it alone, I know it's shit being overdue but unless you're ready to labour a sweep wouldn't be possible anyway and can cause infection.
There is a time for your baby to come, and your body knows when this is.