Having a sweep this morning - need some reassurance!

[LouiseD29]

41 weeks today and sweep booked with midwife later. I've been hoping I would avoid this, and I've been getting messages from family and friends asking me what's going on, so I've had to keep explaining what's going to happen and it's started to make me feel very nervous and tearful. Not helped by several friends telling me horror stories (why do people do this?)

Could do with hearing a few stories of successful / non-stressful sweeps that others on here have had to help me calm down. Can anyone help?

At 41 weeks you need to stop replying to messages. Concentrate on yourself and relax, especially if the well wishers are making you nervous.

The sweep will be fine, it's just like an internal examination. I thought it felt a bit like having a smear.

Good luck.

Deep breaths, and have a really good cry it could make you feel better.

Agree don't reply to texts or if you do just say still pregnant and don't give details.

I've had sweeps they were a little uncomfortable but fine and just because you said you wanted one before it doesn't mean you can't change your mind if you decide you don't want it after all.

Good luck with everything.

I went into labour within 24 hours after a sweep with both girls. I specifically asked the nurse to make it a good one and just bit the pillow for a couple of minutes. It is not nice but I think they work! Fingers crossed!

I had s sweep at 40+1 from a consultant, did the job, waters broke 6 hrs later, baby didnt arrive for 4 days tho! Its not the best experience you will ever have, but try and relax and let them have a good go! Good luck, my DD is 2 weeks old today and its all worth it!

Thank you! Had a little cry on the sofa earlier and am now feeling calmer. Reminding myself that it is one step closer to meeting my little girl. DH also bought me tea and biscuits in bed which helped! Hopefully I'll be back on here tomorrow to announce baby's arrival.

Good luck Louise, read with interest as this will be me in 1 weeks time

Well, it wasn't too bad at all. Midwife was great - very calm and explained everything she was doing. She seemed quite positive, but am only 1cm dilated and Bishop's Score of 3, which I think is pretty low. Baby 3/5 engaged, but she couldn't reach the head as cervix still too long. If nothing happens in the next couple of days I'll have another one on Tuesday.

I feel a lot better just having the information even if it means another week or more waiting for baby.

Today will be mainly spent bouncing on my inflatable ball!

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Good luck Louise! I hope the sweep helps get things moving. Glad to hear it was a positive experience, but hopefully you'll be getting a postnatal visit from the midwives instead of a sweep come Tuesday.