How can anyone know if a sweep works?

[Threetofour]

Sweeps on my mind at the moment as nearly 38 weeks with dc4, I had sweeps with 2 & 3 as went over by a week both times but I never had a sudden result after one. I do not particularly enjoy the experience (who would) and would rather not have one
What I can't understand is how you could know if a sweep worked, surely you are going to go into labour anyway & just seems another curry, sex, pineapple, long walk, bouncing on the ball thing that just happens to be the last thing you did before you went into labour..... Can anyone tell me if it is actually worth having one!

They only offer them on the NHS under NICE guidelines because there is some statistical evidence that a sweep increases the probability of going into labour in the next 48 hours (I think you have to be nearly "ready anyway") - and that this is considered worthwhile if it prevents you having to be induced.

So it is offered but you don't have to accept - if say in your eyes the discomfort outweighs the potential benefit.

Thanks woodifer that is useful! I think if it was looking like I was going yo be induced I will have one but otherwise not .... I would like to never have one again!

wood is right its a low risk intervention so often worth trying before using pharmaceutical means. Not terribly effective as the research shows that 8 women have it have a sweep for to bring forward the labour of 1 woman. It's up to you whether you go for it or not.

Hm, I had it with my second and it worked perfectly, 36 hours later I had a baby in my arms. My cervix was 2 cm but baby was up high, I had a lot of BH at the end of the pregnancy that just turned into contractions. Everyone is different but I guess I was that 1 out 8. However since you had it in previous pregnancy and it did not work I would probably just let the nature decide for you and not even bother with it this time.

Well if your trying other ways to induce labour, then theres really no way of telling. But every womans different, so for it may work whilst others dont.

We offer them when near due date but u dont necessarily have to have it.

By separating the membranes from babies head, we aim to start hormines being releasex, hence labour.

If ur desperate for labour to start then try it. Most fed up women tend to bite our arms off for it lol

Best of luck
Zoe xxx

Thanks Zoe! I had really bad experience with sweeps last time REALLY painful & unpleasant and also had loads of internals whilst in labour which has really put me off this time.... But you're right, in 3 weeks time I might feel different!
Thanks all for your responses it really helps!

I had a sweep at 38wks eight years ago and DD born 14 hours later. Have chosen ELCS this time around... But it definitely worked for me.
Good luck.