Midwife did a sweep last night without asking

[Katnisnevergreen]

Hi all, I’m just after some advice. I went to the maternity unit last night with bad contractions (am 39 weeks) which had been building over the past few days to every 3.5 mins.
When the midwife was checking to see how dilated I was, it was really painful, like trying to get away painful, and I could really feel her moving around.
When she finished she said ‘I’ve done you a sweep too...’
is this out of order as I didn’t ask or want one?

baubles I am so angry on your behalf.
nightwatch - just shut up.

A midwife did this to me when I was in labour with my second. It was incredibly painful, possibly more so because I wasn't expecting it, I was just prepared for a normal examination. I burst in to tears when she left the room, my poor OH didn't know what to do with me! It wasn't just the physical pain, I felt violated. My daughter ended up in scbu (unrelated!) so it was forgotten about until a long time after, otherwise I'd probably have considered making a complaint.

Bollocking, I really sympathise. The same thing happened to me and there were repeated attempts to remove it in front of a similar audience of students but with no pain relief. I still feel sick about it years later and I don't have smears because of it.

Im quite convinced I became a teaching aid for these students because there were repeated unnecessary internal examinations that they did one after the other (I wasn't asked) and even a catheter. Utterly barbaric. I didn't realise but I think I had ptsd for years afterwards. Actually I think I still have because this has made me feel quite tearful.

I am a midwife. This is not okay. Please raise it with the manager of the area you attended.
Sweeps should only be given with informed consent. It is a medical intervention.

This is so unacceptable, I chose to have a sweep yesterday and my consent was asked when I was sitting opposite my doctor and midwife at a desk whilst I was fully clothed and in a comfortable position where I could make an informed choice. I don’t think it’s even fair to ask the question when you are being examined and in a vulnerable position as it’s in my opinion an uncomfortable procedure that you should fully think about before accepting.

Gosh all these people who want you to complain - get a grip, it was a sweep, nothing drastic!

Missing the point bmbonanza. It is the OP’s body. Legally, consent has to be obtained for medical procedures. Sweeps are not completely benign, they carry risks.
If the midwife does not know that she’s legally obliged to obtain consent then she needs to revisit her training.

"It was a sweep, nothing drastic"

FFS - have you ever had a sweep??

It is absolutely drastic 🙄

@bmbonanza and several midwives on here have also expressed how wrong this was..

Not okay. I’ve had several miscarriages and and seeing any blood at 39 weeks would’ve sent me into a panic. Please report her as she needs to be retrained about requesting permission before any medical intervention. Reporting this would help to avoid it happening to someone else.

@bmbonanza I've worked for the Birth Trauma Association. It can be very drastic and have traumatic consequences for a significant number of women

You need to give verbal consent for any intervention and written consent in many instances. This involves discussion with younto ensure you understand what will happen. Complain to ward manager.

YUp, another midwife adding my voice to say that this is never acceptable. We are supposed to work in partnership with women - making sure women understand the pro’s and cons and rationale for recommended interventions or treatments. Not to unilaterally decide what to do. I am sorry you experienced this, and sorry for all the women who have been violated.

If women want to decline an intervention and understand the risks (and benefits) then that is absolutely fine with me. It isn’t my body, pregnancy or birth.

Wow, I can’t believe the people on here who think this is ok. I was induced both times and asked a few days prior by my consultant if I’d like a sweep. I said yes and, by god, they fucking hurt (especially when your cervix has boarded up a ‘do not enter sign’ as I’m sure mine has!). Even in hospital EVERY midwife I saw (and that was a lot, I have 6 day inductions it seems 🙄) asked before they even examined my bump. This is really not ok and I hope you find the strength to report this. I also hope, from your lack of response, that your baby is on his or her way! Good luck OP

to baubles, sprouts and others who have had invasive procedures without their full consent.

bmbonanza you do know there is a fair amount of evidence that suggests sweeps increase risk of ascending infection? It really is a big deal

@Merryoldgoat

I was going to say the same. All of the ‘it worked for me’ seems like a case of post hoc ergo propter hoc.

West Wing!

And I am very glad they weren't a 'thing' in my day. I had enough unnecessary intervention as it was.

I had to look up what a sweep exactly was. It's 25 years since I gave birth. I remember lying with my legs up and a midwife sticking her hand in me and pulling my cervix here there and everywhere. She said, 'that will help things along'. A quarter of a century later this is still happening - disgraceful.

Completely unacceptable. Happened to me recently in early labour and I went from in control to a vomiting, terrified mess in the space of an hour. I felt completely violated and out of control (and yes it went specifically against birth plan). Thing is I saw that midwife again afterwards and she is a nice lady but they need to know they cannot do this! You've reminded me I need to complain.

During my last pregnancy I had Group B Strep and was very clear that I wouldn't have any sweeps. A midwife did this to me despite my wishes, wish I'd reported her but I had too much other stuff going on.

@nannyogg

Oh yes

Currently recycling through - Celestial Navigation ❤️❤️❤️

This happened to me despite me refusing very clearly. I let it go, because I was already feeling so awful I couldn't face any more stress. Women are vulnerable at this time, and it shows a distinct lack of respect.

Whatever the rights or wrongs you will feel better if you get it off your chest asap and make it known it was without consent.
Totally different but I still am a bit saf/cross when I think back to my first birth in 1982. I delivered at 6.30am and was quite high on pethidine and in pain from internal and external stitches. I was put in a side room and left alone ( useless exh had gone home) and didnt see himmy son until 11.30! A passing nurse said " oh hes been used to show the new mums from yesterdsy how to bath their baby! Good job I wasnt breast feeding. I was so timid about everything and just assumed as professionals they knew best!
I wish Id complained at the time. That all sounds ridiculously trivial written down, that I missed my first borns first few hours but as I get older I think about it more!
So, say something to the hospital now so that you dont brood in it.
Best wishes for a straightforward delivery

Sorry typos! Im in the car!