Early Membrane Sweep

[Amberc]

My midwife is giving me a sweep tomorrow at 38 weeks as the baby (according to scan today) is already over 9 lbs. Has anyone had one before they've gone overdue and has it actually worked? Also what should I expect - how will I feel if it's working (first baby and clueless), does it make you bleed? It sounds awful! She said that if my cervix is not quite ready she'll still put her finger up as far as it goes - ouch?

[Habbibu]

No experience, I'm afraid, but dd was 10lb 11oz at 40 weeks - consultant was more keen to let nature take its course, and so didn't plan to sweep at 39 weeks even after growth scan. I guess everyone's situation different, but I'm a little surprised she thinks it's necessary.

[Habbibu]

should add she arrived safe and sound and pretty straightforwardly at 40 +1...

[nannyjo]

a sweep is uncomfortable but very much bearable. You'll be fine. They should offer you some pain relief if you're worried. It may bleed a little and you'll know if it does have an effecty within 48 hours but it easily might have no effect as you're not due yet. It really is an individual case for everyone. Good luck, you'll be fine.

[HighlandFling]

Haven't had a sweep before overdue but I had two sweeps with DS.

I was really nervous (am kind of person who climbs the walls having a smear done) but it was really OK.

Not to be too graphic, a midwife's gloved fingers is pretty gentle compared to a speculum.

Try not to worry, just relax and trust the midwife. They will do everything to put you at your ease.

I didn't bleed at either sweep. Think the 2nd one might have done the job. You pretty much know if it has worked as you start to get contractions!!! Best of luck.

[mrsmalumbas]

Yikes - your midwife sounds a bit keen!

First off, scans are pretty inaccurate for judging baby's weight - they can be a pound or more off either way. In any case even if your baby is 9lb that's not necessarily an issue - the actual size of the baby doesn't really matter so much as lots of factors come into play during labour, like what position you are in, what position baby is in, and so on and so forth. I have seen tiny women birth huge babies.

There is also a risk that an over enthusiastic sweep can rupture your membranes which then means that the clock is ticking then so far as getting labour going is concerned.

On the other hand if your cervix is already nice and ripe and starting to dilate then it shouoldn't hurt and can be quite succesful at triggering off labour but the thing is you'd probably be quite likely to go into labour by yourself then anyway.

If the cervix is still firm and closed (which is more than likely at 38 weeks with a first baby and no signs of labour) then doing a sweep (or putting a finger in) might be a bit uncomfortable and you might get a bit of bleeding but it is usually just ruptured blood vessels in the cervix, it might appear a bit mucousy and tinged with blood. It might trigger a few contractions but to be honest it's not likely to get you into labour by itself.

Ask your midwife to talk you through the risks/benefits before you decide what you want to do. You don't need to agree the sweep and would be quite able to ask that she waits a while. 38 weeks is not even "full term" so you still have loads of time.

Best of luck and keep us posted!

[Habbibu]

Sorry, I don't think I was very helpful! I think the key to making all these things more comfortable is to try to relax - keep your breathing nice and steady and try not to tense up.

[fishie]

NO WAY. no midwife up at 38 weeks without good reason.

[Andimo]

Hi

I'm under a consultant and 38 weeks pregnant in two days and they've told me I have to have a membrane sweep on friday. This surprised me as it is two weeks early and my baby weighs approx 6lb 13oz after todays scan. However my first child had stopped growing at 38 + 5 so I am glad to be offered it. I've also heard it can be painful and am worried but if it means safe delivery then its worth it.