Sweep or not sweep

[caz05]

I am due for my 40 week check tomorrow and my due date would be the following day and last time I saw the mid wife they said they could offer a sweep if I wanted one. This is my second child and I didn't need one first time round as he was 10 days early but this one seems be firmly stuck inside with no signs of wanting to come out. I have heard that sweeps can be painful and possible make labour pains worse etc. Does anyone have any experiences with sweeps?

[smearedinfood]

Personally, I would avoid, very uncomfortable feeling and don't think it made any difference with fingers going in places that weren't 'ready' for them, I'd have a bonk instead if you can

[shreddinghippo]

I had sweep at 40weeks, then again 40+3, then again at 40+5. DD arrived in the evening on the day of my third sweep.

Bloody uncomfortable, but manageable, have no idea if they worked or not, but I like to think it helped things along a little.
The actual sweep only lasts for maybe half a minute, so if you can think of something else, or just think to yourself 'it'll be over soon, it'll be over soon' it is over and done with quite quick.

Maybe wait until 41 weeks for a sweep, at least you'll have had a few more days to decide if you want one.

[shreddinghippo]

Just re-read that and it sounds so jumbled. Hope you got the gist, and apologies as I am rushing about to get both kids in the bath!!

[gembeam]

Hey, I had my 1st sweep on Sat @40wks which was fine, I found a smear is worse & I was busy concentrating on how uncomfortable my back was! 2nd sweep yesterday @ 40+2, progress made? Plug this morning and sore bits. The MW I had for the 2nd sweep was a bit more 'vigorous' and had longer fingers than the 1st!
I decided to give the sweeps a go before medical intervention (induction is looming on Fri night )
Anyhow, on the list of things to try
Nooky - done,
Hot curry - DP just gone to get it
Reflexology - booked for tomorrow
Pineapple juice - only if I get absolutely desperate! Yuck!
Castor oil - yes, MW actually suggested it - DP said he'd have it if I did [shocked]

Apologies if TMI! Good luck x

[Zimbah]

I ended up having 4 sweeps/attempted sweeps, the first 3 the midwife couldn't do it as my cervix was too posterior. The fourth attempt at 41+4 was successful, contractions started an hour after and DD was born 16 hours later. I didn't find the successful sweep painful, just slightly uncomfortable but better than a smear. The first three were more painful as it felt like the midwife was really jamming her fingers in to try to reach my cervix (sorry TMI). But it didn't last long - it certainly wasn't as bad as I had feared.

[shreddinghippo]

gem dont bother with the pineapple juice- it is supposed to be a whole pineapple, not tinned or anything, a whole pineapple. And if you do that you'll be ill!!
My MW's biggest recommendation was lots of nookie, lots and lots (groan) as she said it is the only one scientifically proven.
Good luck to both of you!

[gembeam]

thanks hippo, MW also suggested giving something a good suck - after some research I found out there is a reflexology point on the roof of the mouth. Made the OH grin! I agree with your groan!!

caz - have you a decision yet? let us know how you get on x x x

[shreddinghippo]

gem I read that information too, but decided NOT to impart the knowledge to my DH!

[Highlander01]

I had a sweep on Sunday (41 weeks, first baby) and another this morning - still waiting for something to happen. However I will say that I agree with Zimbah, sweep on Sunday more uncomfortable and felt a bit like she was "jabbing" around, although COMPLETELY bearable. Afterwards she told me that she hadn't managed a full sweep as my cervix was not dilated enough. And you can also just ask her to stop if it's too much. Sweep this morning was absolutely fine, she managed a full sweep as I am more "favourable" (!) and it wasn't even half as uncomfortable as a smear.

IMO, there is no harm in trying. Sometimes the thought of it is much worse than the sweep itself. Maybe it works, mabe it doesn't, but certainly for me I like the idea that I did as much as I could to get things going before my induction date (Saturday).

Very best of luck with everthing! :)

[shreddinghippo]

OH I didnt mean to scare you OP, I guess its different for everyone, as I found the sweep a lot worse than a smear test. Still did it three times though, as next stage was to break waters and didnt fancy that much!
I agree with Highlander that sometimes the thought of it is worse than the doing of it.
Not trying to put you off doing it at all, but I think it is good to hear different experiences to better prepare yourself.

[shreddinghippo]

Oh and good luck to you too Highlander!

[Highlander01]

Thanks shreddinghippo - do think it's different for everyone and depends on your midwife too (TMI but surely the size of their fingers means something?!?! :) ) I am trying acupuncture too, no idea if it will work, but so far today sweep and acupunture and if he is "lucky" (unlucky?) an early night with OH.... After all that in one day, I think I will just rest and wait for induction day with fingers crossed.

Let us know how it goes Caz xx