membrane sweep - painful?

[fireflyz]

I've been offered induction but would prefer things to start naturally if possible.

Midwife did 2nd sweep the other day but again when she tried to insert her 2nd finger it hurt too much. (Sorry if TMI)

At least I think she was trying to insert more than one finger - it felt like I was being stretched at the vagina rather than anywhere else... awful.

Is this normal?

I had two sweeps with my first baby - one at 40 weeks and one at 41 weeks. Both were very uncomfortable (first one was genuinely painful, actually).

Think it is quite normal for it to be almost unbearable!

I had a sweep with DD2 which was quite painful but MW said that was because she had to reach far to get to the cervix and it wasn't favourable - although I went into labour that day.

I also had a sweep on Fri which wasn't painful at all only mildly uncomfortable but MW said that was because it was easy to reach and easy to do.

So I guess it depends on how your cervix is! Probably worth the pain if it avoids induction. I'm going back for another sweep on Mon if things haven't progressed.

I has two and they were very uncomfortable too.

had one yesterday and hardly felt it - doesn't seem to have done anything though so maybe not forceful enough?

Depends where your cervix is. If it's not 'forward', which is what happens when you are almost ready anyway, then for me it was fucking excruciating! If cervix is 'favourable' it's a bit uncomfortable. That's my experience anyway. First one I had was worse than the bloody labour and that lasted 52 hours

yes painful but worked.

Yes I agree with Cuppatino- pain more acute than actual labour!! But great opportunity to practise your breathing! Good luck

I am quite a wuss though!

MW ones were a bit uncomfy - but easy to handle with breathing.

The only time a consultant ever had his hand up my fanjo to do a sweep was absolutely f*king agony. Took me by surprise, I went a funny pale colour and could barely walk out - MW was very sympathetic. I bled loads too.

um . . . yep . painful.
Sorry.

I had a stretch and sweep when I was 3cm gone and honestly I didn't feel a thing. I really think I must have a bucket despite never having a natural birth, smears are a doddle too

I had three sweeps and it was uncomfortable but bearable, I was also given gas and air to help which went down a treat!

i had a sweep with my 3rd baby and it was fairly painful yes

Just returned from hospital from having my first sweep (40 + 2).

It was fine. They told me to put my fists under the small of my back to raise my hips up. Wasn't a lovely experience but nothing too awful. She could only get one finger in though (sorry!).

I have had a lot of smears and biopsies though so am used to these kind of things. Really not as bad as I thought it would be though. Thank God.

had the membrane sweep with DC1 (did not sent me into labour BTW - ended up with induction) and found it very painful - so painful that I am still resisting a membrane sweep with DC2 (now 11 days overdue).

I just had one... not comfortable but not unbearable, and she said 'you can always just tell me to stop'. Just breathe and think of the baby at the end of all this drama! I'm 40+4 and she said my cervix is still high/posterior. I really want it to come tomorrow so hopefully things will change soonish.

had 4th failed sweep attempt today. i am booked for an induction on thursday. found it more uncomfortable than painful. they really tried to get in there. good opportunity to practice those breathing/ relaxation techniques.

Mine didn't hurt at all (even though I've had pretty painful smears in the past)-it was uncomfortable, but over very quickly. I think it helps if you can relax, as the pain must surely be caused by tensing up! Easier said than done, but i used it as an opportunity to practise breathing exercises...

Mine did not hurt,and the bleeding was not too bad.And i'm petite lady and the mw was really large lady.