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Childbirth

Having a sweep

11 replies

LittlePink · 06/12/2014 19:49

my consultant said I can have sweeps from 39 weeks which will be in 3 wks time. Do I need dh to come with me for it? Will it be uncomfortable to drive afterwards? Ie needing him to drive me home? Just wondering if it's worth him taking the annual leave day when we could save it for once the baby's born. Can I manage it on my own without him needing to be there?

OP posts:

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MrsCakesPrecognition · 06/12/2014 20:01

The sweeps I had by midwives were fine, not immediately effective but not too bad.
The one the consultant did, made me cry ( and nothing ever, ever makes me cry with pain), I left the clinic bleeding and unable to stop shaking.
But I drove home once I'd sat quietly for a bit.
Take pad with you, just in case.

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monkeymamma · 06/12/2014 20:02

Based on my experience you will be fine afterwards (I felt completely normal after mine and didn't go into labour for another 24 hours) although it will depend how far you have to drive. Is having one at home an option?

Have to confess my dh was there for mine three years ago and will hopefully be there for my next one on Monday - but I'm impossibly British and find anything like this so embarassing I need the emotional support!

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SnowPetrel · 06/12/2014 22:39

Don't have one unless there are good medical reasons for doing so!

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twiglet2 · 07/12/2014 09:11

I had one at home at 41 weeks, felt a bit crampy for a while, but nothing much immediately. Went into labour 12 hours later.

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slightlyinsane · 07/12/2014 10:52

I had a suprise one, I wasn't expecting to be offered one but gladly took her up on it. It was uncomfortable at the time and felt crampy for a couple of days after but it didn't interfere with me getting on with things.

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Coffeeaddictforever · 07/12/2014 13:31

I had three done by the midwife. The first one made me have a show. No more uncomfortable than a smear. Don't waist dh holiday. I drove home after the first two no probs. the third one I was 10 days over due and after an hour labour started so I was glad to be with dh after. Good luck xx

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MehsMum · 07/12/2014 13:36

Can you not have it done at home by a community midwife?
Regardless, you should be fine to drive afterwards - I had two, way back when, and just got up and got on with the day both times.

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PicandMinx · 07/12/2014 16:50

Don't bother with a sweep. There is no evidence that they work and they can be painful and violating - especially at 39 weeks. A sweep is an unnecessary intervention.

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cantmakecarrotcake · 07/12/2014 17:32

39 weeks is quite early for a sweep. I'd consider waiting until 40+ weeks when you're more likely to be favourable.

re having DH there, I didn't for mine and actually walked a mile each way to get there and back. You should be fine to drive. Save the holiday.

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Victoria2002 · 08/12/2014 06:52

I had two and they weren't painful, just uncomfortable. BUT I do agree 39 weeks seems early.

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LittlePink · 08/12/2014 14:46

Thank you for your replies everyone. I think the consultant wants to give me every opportunity to have a successful Vbac as I had a very long and traumatic emcs last time. Think she wants to avoid uterine rupture the longer the pregnancy goes on and she won't induce me. Seeing mw this week so will discuss it all with her and see if she thinks that's the reason for an early sweep.