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Childbirth

The sweep

4 replies

Dingli · 16/01/2008 15:49

Hi, anyone have experiences of the sweep when they try to rupture the membranes, I've got one booked for next Wed as I am de on Friday and no signs so far. In the leaflet they gave me it says it is uncomfortable just want to prepare myself.

Also my notes said head engaged 3/5 what does that mean?

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Rowlers · 16/01/2008 15:54

Sweep not uncomfortable really - just midwife putting a couple of fingers up and swirling around a bit.
It did not work for me.
3/5 engaged head = how far down the baby is. They have a scale of 5 and 3/5 is about halfway ish.
HTH

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lulumama · 16/01/2008 16:00

they are not trying to rupture your membranes, that is a different thing.... what they are doing , is sweeping/ stripping the membranes from the cervix, which hopefully releases hormones that kickstart labour.....

are you due this friday or next friday? a sweep will work within 24 - 48 hours if it is going to work...

head is 3/5 engaged, which means only 2/5 of the head are feelable above the pelvic brim, so baby is certainly heading in the right direction....

sounds positive !

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bundle · 16/01/2008 16:02

found sweep VERY uncomfortable, consultant did mine. result was sod-all. baby delivered week later by c/s.

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Mymeems · 16/01/2008 16:04

Have to say, my sweep was quite uncomfortable, but bearable.. mostly I think because I wasn't expecting it..the consultant decided to do it 'while he was there' giving me an internal

I'm sure you'll be fine!

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