MEMBRANE SWEEP!

[Shelli08]

Has anyone had a membrane sweep and could tell me what its like? The midwife said if i dont give birth within 2 weeks i will have to have one and iv heard its very painful, please can people share their views, thanks.

[ToThrottleABlackBird]

It is uncomfortable but I wouldnt say it was painful. I think it depends how high up your cervix is.

[scorpio1]

Mine was fine, it didnt hurt at all, just a tad uncomfortable.

[tartetatin]

Uncomfortable, but I think how uncomfortable depends on how 'ripe' the cervix is and how relaxed you are. I had a couple with my last baby; they left me with period type pains afterwards and didn't get the baby going either, so don't get your hopes up too much that it will do the trick for you.

[HensMum]

Yep, uncomfortable. My midwife was lovely and explained what she was doing and was really quick. She came and did it at home too which helped.
I find smear tests really painful but this was nowhere near as bad.

[Fufulina]

You don't HAVE to have anything done! If you don't want a sweep, you just decline it.

[Star1ightExpress]

'The midwife said if i dont give birth within 2 weeks i will have to have one'

WTF? I DO NOT like your mw. Say no ta if you want. There's no evidence that they work anyhow!

BTW which 2 weeks are you talking about. Before or after your due date?

[biscuitbarrel]

Hi Shelli08,

I second what SE and Fufulina say- you don't HAVE to have anything done- it's absolutely your decision.

I had a sweep done the day before DD was born, followed by a big walk, and it definitely got things moving.

Generally I think, the sweep does feel similar to a smear. Being relaxed will make it more comfortable (easier said than done in late pregnancy I know!).

Best wishes and remember that it is your decision, not the midwife's.

[MrsMattie]

I didn't find it that painful - but it didn't work. In my opinion, they rush to give sweeps these days. They can't miraculously start a labour that isn't ready to start.

[dan39]

Can someone tell us what it actually IS?

[2manychips]

They booked me for one when dd was 1 day late!!it was unsuccessful. I then had another when she was 12 days late.Sorry to say I found it most unpleasant and painful. The mw was quite,well brutal!They kind of push their fingers into your cervix.

[kayzisexpecting]

I had one and it was slightly uncomfortable but not painful.

[belgo]

I had one that was painful. I did go into labour though, which was good because I wanted to avoid a hospital induction.

[liahgen]

The mw will insert her fingers and "gently" sweep the neck of the womb.The aim is to separate the membranes around your baby from your cervix. This releases prostaglandins.

may or may not work, more likely ot if you were about to go into labour anyway.

can also cause an irritable uterus, thus follows days of strong bh's which don't really go anywhere.

good luck