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Childbirth

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

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Original poster

What is.......

17 replies

Gillian98 · 19/02/2004 16:13

a sweep and how is it done? This is my second child but had elective c-section on first, and didn't go to any antenatel classes so ignorance was bliss at the time but this time round I feel I know nothing. I have asked hospital if I can attend all antenatel classes but they won't let me as this is my second and they say all I need is a refresher course.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

CountessDracula · 19/02/2004 16:15

A sweep is where they stick their fingers up into your cervix and wiggle them around! Not terribly comfortable I seem to remember but not agony either.

Northerner · 19/02/2004 16:19

Like the techincal description CD!

pie · 19/02/2004 16:42

Can I hijack? Is a sweep the same as the stripping of membranes?

twiglett · 19/02/2004 16:45

message withdrawn

bundle · 19/02/2004 16:47

it's VERY uncomfortable. I had one both times and ended up with c/s both times as it did sod all to speed things up..

bundle · 19/02/2004 16:47

(if you have one take a pad along as you can bleed a bit afterwards)

pie · 19/02/2004 16:54

I had one with DD2 and asked the dr to tell me before he did it to which he replied 'I've done it' it didn't hurt me at all. went into labour next night.

lydialemon · 19/02/2004 19:35

Had them with all 3, only worked with DD, but I found it about as uncomfortable as a smear (so OK really for me)

IME better to have a sweep and go into natural labour (DD) than go through induction with drips and drugs (DS2)

Are they asking you if you want one, or is this just for future reference?

Linnet · 19/02/2004 21:43

Like Countess said it's when they wiggle the membrane around and it's supposed to help start things off.

I've heard that it's worked wonders for other people. Didn't work for me though and I won't be letting them near me if I go overdue this time.

Linnet · 19/02/2004 21:43

Like Countess said it's when they wiggle the membrane around and it's supposed to help start things off.

I've heard that it's worked wonders for other people. Didn't work for me though and I won't be letting them near me if I go overdue this time.

Linnet · 19/02/2004 21:44

oops sorry about that.

newbymum · 20/02/2004 00:39

I had a sweep as i was in slow labour and it brought me from 4 cm dilated to 7 cm dilated with in mins I didnt feel a thing and was soooo greatful that they had done it!!!

CountessDracula · 21/02/2004 23:52

Didn't work for me

pupuce · 22/02/2004 11:17

Sweeps work in 50% of cases of women with previous labours and that stat drops for 1st timer (according to Miles Textbook for Midwives)

At the end of the day it is an induction and even if NOT painful when done it can get you going quickly and immediately strongly (so it becomes hard to manage).... I always say to women to think about it before they embark on it... some do and some don't ! Some thought ot was great and others won't do it again...

pie · 22/02/2004 11:21

But but but, is a sweep the same thing as stripping the membranes?

Bond33 · 22/02/2004 19:43

Never been through this myself but thought these might be useful
Try this this or this

Linnet · 22/02/2004 22:59

I think it is the same thing Pie although I may be corrected if I'm wrong.

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