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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Can a sweep be effective IF you are not yet dilating??

16 replies

Leilababyno1 · 04/05/2011 21:03

Had a sweep today, I'm 40+4 with my first. MW said that I am 50% effaced but not yet dilating. Cervix is still firm but baby is engaged, she said she could just about feel babies head and the bag of waters....Haven't experienced any cramping since it was done.

Got another sweep booked for this Friday, when I will be 40+6....but I'm not that hopeful it'll come to much??

Has a sweep worked for anyone who has been in a similar position?

OP posts:
motherofsnortpigs · 05/05/2011 09:27

Sweeps worked for me with DCs 2 and 3 and I was only just post-dates, but at my request they were pretty full on, ie pull cervix forward a bit, have a good go at separating membranes from edge of uterus. AND THEY HURT!

With DC1, I had lots of sweeps and nothing worked. Mainly because I am so terrified of hospitals that I convinced myself not to go into labour because then I would avoid having to go to hopsital Hmm I sat around until 43 weeks before finally agreeing to an induction (but that's another story).

Original poster
Leilababyno1 · 05/05/2011 12:40

Thanks for the info motherofsnortpigs. I really appreciate the advice as getting quite down now, with no signs of baby arriving anytime soon.

I have another sweep booked for tomorrow morning, so maybe it's worth asking the MW if she can be quite forceful (although as it's my first not sure how forceful she can be when the cervix is still closed?).....

When I had the sweep yesterday it didn't hurt at all, so am not really surprised it hasn't done anything.

OP posts:
CalmInsomniac · 05/05/2011 14:33

I had an attempted membrane sweep at 40+2 and my cervix was closed. It doesn't work, AFAIK, because the point is to separate the membranes from the cervix. If you can't get a finger through the cervix, you can get at the membrane.
Anyway, despite me going home and getting some BH type contractions, I didn't go into labour then.
Had another sweep at 40+13: 1cm dilated, admitted one finger, got the proper sweep done, went into labour that evening.

CalmInsomniac · 05/05/2011 14:34

Sorry I mean If you can't get a finger through the cervix, you can't get at the membrane

Original poster
Leilababyno1 · 05/05/2011 18:10

Hmmmm that's what I thought CalmInsomniac! Oh well, do you think I can get to 1cm dilated by tomorrow morning?? That's when my next attempted sweep is, I will be 40+6.....If not there will be a third and final sweep attempted at 40+9 before induction.

Gonna do my best, had a massive walk and lots of birth ball bouncing!

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CalmInsomniac · 06/05/2011 13:51

I would wait till 40+9 if it was me. You have till 42 weeks before there's any reason to be induced. I have heard a lot of people who were induced at 10 or 12 days over saying they wish they'd waited those extra couple of days. Remember you're not bound by hospital policy. It's your choice.
I was booked for induction at 40+14 and fortunately went into labour naturally after a sweep at 40+13. The baby will come sometime soon. I promise x

StiffyByng · 06/05/2011 14:05

I had a sweep at 40+1 this week, and the midwife could put her finger through to touch the baby's head. It's had no effect though! Next sweep will be 40+6.

jcp123 · 06/05/2011 14:28

Had sweep with first at 40+9 and they said nothing was happening. I resigned to an induction but the following morning I went into labour.

Had sweep with second at 40+2, was told cervix was soft and open 2cm. Got very excited but nothing happened. Went into labour at 40+6.

Keep an open mind and let's hope it works for you. In the meantime enjoy a little freedom and relax. Hope the birth goes smoothly for you.

Original poster
Leilababyno1 · 06/05/2011 18:49

Hi all,

Well thought I'd update you. I had my second sweep this morning at 40+6, and the MW was really surprised to find that in 48 hours my cervix has gone from firm to soft and from closed to 2cm dilated. She gave me a vigorous sweep.

Had a big nap when I got home and just had a massive show. Hopefully, this means things should start moving along soon!

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motherofsnortpigs · 06/05/2011 20:36

Sounds like the nap was a good idea. Good luck!

TheNewShmoo · 07/05/2011 21:05

oooh great news leila... let us know how you're getting on!

Original poster
Leilababyno1 · 08/05/2011 17:05

Hummm...think I got a little too excited ladies as I'm still with bump and 40+8 today...Sad

It been over 48 hours since my sweep and really thought it would get things going but seems not.

Been having lots of bloody show since Friday, which just seems to keep coming..Blush But no proper contractions, just an occasional dull period type ache.

Booked for induction this Thursday and would really like to avoid it if possible. So gonna give my CMWs a call tomorrow morning to ask if I can have one last sweep before induction.

Finding it very hard to stay positive...Sad

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TheNewShmoo · 09/05/2011 08:07

Hang on in there Leila. Have you tried evening primrose oil (internally), red raspberry leaf tea, clary sage, acupuncture... or nipple stimulation?!!

The shows and period ache are v promising signs... I'm sure you'll go into labour spontaneously before Thursday Smile. In the mean time try and rest whilst rocking on a gym ball... maybe in between some uphill walking??

Everything crossed for you!

Pootletrinket · 09/05/2011 08:59

Sorry to read you're still hanging in there Leilababy, my MW really went on about nipple stimulation (20 mins, firm tweaking in the bath) but only as I was being admitted to be induced....best of luck....xx

TheNewShmoo · 09/05/2011 10:36

Definitely worth a try... the nipple tweaking is advised to be used with caution during labour as it can cause much stronger contractions... although I'm yet to try it myself...

motherofsnortpigs · 10/05/2011 21:37

Thinking of you. Hope it all kicks off soon :)

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