First sweep tomorrow...

[goodnightdarthvader1]

I'll be 41w. Anything I should know / prepare for? I've read up on it but any advice / tips welcome.

[lilac3033]

I would ask to be examined and then decide if you want it. Mine was no worse than a smear, but my cervix was fully effaced and 1.5cm dialated. From what I've read on here, if the cervix isn't favourable it can be REALLY sore. Also wear a pad, there can be quite a bit of blood.

[CrabbitArse]

Yup, get them to check your cervix first, mine was still tightly closed & sweep was not pleasant at all

[gunting]

I avoided it altogether as my midwife said they only work if you're due to go into labour within 24 h naturally anyway.

I just left it when I was offered and ds was born the next day anyway.

[BeautyIsTruth]

Be prepared that it might not be able to be done as, especially if it's a first baby, the cervix can either be very hard to reach or just not favourable at all. Also, put your fists under your bum just before you have it done. Tilting the pelvis up makes reaching a cervix that's still quite far back SO much easier and it'll be less uncomfortable for you with less prodding about trying to find it. Plus, she'll be dead impressed that you did it without her having to ask.

[goodnightdarthvader1]

Good tip about the pad, thank you.

I'm skeptical of the usefulness of sweeps - from what I read they only work a quarter of the time and as you say, it's probably due to natural labour anyway.

Would they not check your cervix first before diving in anyway, as a matter of course?

[lilac3033]

Yes they will, but I would just make it clear you'll let them know whether or not to do it after you have been examined. My first sweep worked, btw.

[twixes]

I had four sweeps. First two did nothing, third was first thing in the morning and brought on contractions, although they were painless. Then I had another one that night and my waters broke during it! She really gave it a good go...ouch!

Take two solpadeine beforehand. I think they vary in pain, I assume the more painful the likelihood of them being more effective!

[goodnightdarthvader1]

Thanks all

[totty12mum]

Had loads. None hurt, minimal bleeding. All said to be really good sweeps, none worked. Got induced both pregnancies. Worth a try!

[blackkat1978]

I had a sweep with my 1st pregnancy. I found it uncomfortable but not really painful but I was surprised by the amount of blood on her glove & was very glad I'd been given the advice to take a pad with me. My daughter arrived 40 hours later but who knows if the sweep had any bearing on that!

I knew more second time round. I wanted a home birth & knew that there is a small risk of your water being broken mid sweep which then puts you on the clock to have your baby. I also read that it only works if you're actually ready to go into labour anyway so pretty pointless which is why I declined sweeps (I might have had 1 if I'd gone part 42 weeks).

Good luck

[goodnightdarthvader1]

Well, sweep went fine. Didn't hurt, baby in good position, no bleeding. Now just to wait and see if it works!

[Mummyme87]

You can only have a sweep performed if the cervix is actually open as a finger needs to be admitted into the cervix to 'sweep' the area between cervix and membranes