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Childbirth

What to expect when having a sweep

18 replies

firsttimemummy22 · 21/02/2014 18:40

I'm due to have a sweep in a weeks time and have no idea what to expect.. Can anyone shed any light and do they actually work??

OP posts:

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ShoeJunkie · 21/02/2014 18:48

Think smear test and you won't be far off.
I think it depends on your cervix being open (or not) but I it did possibly help encourage DS to make his entrance. Very hit and miss though.

rach6122 · 21/02/2014 18:54

Both mine worked but was a week over both times. Went into labour same evening both times. Didn't hurt me v slightly uncomfortable.

DangoDays · 21/02/2014 18:59

Yep. Depends on cervix and how close you are. If your body is gearing up then it should help but if you are not quite ready then it may hurt a bit more but do very little... Only From my experience...

scarlettsmummy2 · 21/02/2014 18:59

I went into labour within 48 hours after having sweeps on due date. It isn't nice, but not awful, you just have to grin and bear it! It is like a smear only with the midwife's fingers, and she roots around stretching the cervix.

fieldfare · 21/02/2014 19:02

Worked for me, had a sweep mid afternoon and waters broke at 2 the following morning.
Feels like they're rummaging around in there, not overly pleasant but not really painful either.

TheScience · 21/02/2014 19:02

You don't have to have them, and whether they work or not is a bit of a mystery! In women who are overdue, a certain % do go into labour within 24/48 hours. You might want to just clarify the risks vs. benefits with your midwife.

firsttimemummy22 · 21/02/2014 19:24

I'm only 22 so never experienced a smear either! Thanks everyone, the midwife did say about possibly inducing if the sweep doesn't work as I'm going to be having a rather large little girl! Anything is worth a try now tho I am completely ready and so uncomfortable it's unreal.

OP posts:

Catsize · 22/02/2014 11:03

I had three. None worked. I was induced very late on. I wouldn't jump for an induction though unless sound medical reasoning. Overdue again now so off for a spot of reflexology. Good luck Op

juniper44 · 22/02/2014 23:55

It's uncomfortable, but so is being heavily pregnant.

I had one at 5pm on the Monday and gave birth at 7:30am on Wednesday, having gone into labour properly at midnight.

sleepywombat · 23/02/2014 06:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

babynelly2010 · 23/02/2014 20:22

I had it with second. Already plenty if BHs and at 40 weeks MW said it was somewhat favorable but not really. About 36 hours after little boy was with us. The process was that she stuck her fingers and moved it in cervix in circles. A bit painful and resulted in some show. I was happy to have it done and get things moving.

jennyapples · 25/02/2014 10:57

The statistics around sweeps are pretty iffy but it's a case of, oh god let's try anything at this point.

I ended up having FOUR sweeps and not one did a damn thing. Three of them were fine, just uncomfortable. One was, I'm going to be honest with you, so awful that I was crying! But that MW was like nurse ratchet so I don't think that is normal whatsoever.

I really hope it helps!

emmac3616 · 27/02/2014 19:02

Mine was just like a smear but not at all painful - in reality I wanted the baby to come out so much (though I was only 3 days over) that I didn't mind any discomfort. Labour started 6 hours later - I think the sweep kick started it - he didn't feel like he was going to make an appearance otherwise!!! I am a big fan of the sweep now!!!

ButterOnMyToast · 27/02/2014 20:01

Knickers off.
Hop on the couch.
Feet either side.
Allow your legs to drop open.
MW puts two or three fingers up your vagina until your cervix is reached.
MW will push her fingers into your cervix and twirl them around.
It can be very painful and it doesn't always work.
You may need a sanitary towel as you may bleed.

PlumBear · 27/02/2014 20:08

Oh. I always imagined the midwife using a little brush to give things a, er, sweep

Disclaimer - never been pregnant.

ButterOnMyToast · 27/02/2014 20:16

Sadly no actual "sweep" as in a cute brush that will tickle you into labour. Some sweeps are brutal and violating. It's just the start of the indignities that you may suffer in order to birth your child. Your vagina becomes the property of MWs and doctors

BlessedAssurance · 27/02/2014 20:46

Who decides when a woman should get a sweep?

ButterOnMyToast · 27/02/2014 20:51

Depends on the Heath Trust - usually from around 40 weeks. AFAIA, NICE guidelines state that three sweeps are offered before induction.

Sweeps are offered. They are not compulsory and may be declined.

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