to sweep or not to sweep! quick straw pole

[kienstra33]

Had latent labour for 2 weeks, second baby due tomorrow - think I'm on the cusp, some days feel like I can carry on and others really struggle-would you have a sweep or try to be patient?!

[Joskar]

I had one on the Monday and contractions began an hour later BUT dd2 wasn't born until the Wednesday (after I'd gone for reflexology) so who knows if I would have saved myself a whole day's labour if I hadn't bothered. The two previous sweeps I had had no effect in spite of all being favourable. The three I had with dd1 had no effect.

In short, I don't think they do anything but maybe make you feel like you have iyswim.

Look at it this way- the baby will definitely be born regardless of what you do or when you do it. It will happen.

Good luck. I hope you have a fabulous, wonderful, excellent time and everything goes smoothly.

[Thurlow]

I'd go for it. It wasn't very painful, just uncomfortable (and slightly embarrassing ) and so I'd generally say, what the hell.

[kienstra33]

Thanks both, had 3 with first DD - one seemed to do a lot and the others nothing! Just kind of done with this latent labour! Xx

[ImNotAFlower]

I had two done by my midwife at 39+4 and 39+6 did diddly squat....

Then I had one done by a midwife at the hospital as baby's heart rate was being monitored (he mucking them about lol) at 40+3- she asked if I wanted to have him tonight I said yes and I'll be dammed if he wasn't born the next morning!! She was good at her job lol.

I think if the person doing it is good at it they are fab. I do think my community midwife was a bit half hearted

[kienstra33]

Haha! I have heard it's all about technique I think it's also about how close you are ... I'll let you all know how it goes!!

[lynholmerpark]

Def about the technique. Good luck with it all but I'd be declined to not sweep as things obviously aren't far off.