Sweep... Nervous!

[cookiemonster5678]

Hi,

I have a sweep booked for later this week and am a little nervous. I have so idea what to expect, I've never had any kind of internal exam/procedure before.

Will i need to get changed into a gown or anything? Im so huge and uncomfy, even getting dressed is bloody hard work! So i would like to find wear something easy to remove and put back on if so.

Will it hurt?
How long does it take?
If it is effective when would labour be expected to start? (I am aware it doesn't always work).

Thanks in advance!

Dressing gown would be a very good idea then you won't even have to take it off. I've had 4 DC's and 2 sweeps. It really wasn't as bad as I was expecting, but that's just my personal experience. Only took a few minutes. Feels a bit odd discussing the weather with someones hand up your bits and peices! Sadly it didn't work for me and the babies came when they were ready. Good luck!

I just took everything off below the waist. Mine did hurt and I had to ask her to stop, but when I had an exam a couple of days later they were surprised the midwife had even attempted one as apparently my cervix wasn't anywhere near ready!

I had a sweep with my DD when I was 7 days overdue. If you feel more comfortable you could wear a skirt so it's just a matter of lifting it and removing your knickers. It's a bit uncomfortable but a very quick procedure-the midwife literally sweeps her finger around your cervix. I was a bit 'aaww!' But it doesn't continue to hurt or feel sore after. I would do it again as it worked for me and I went into labour later that day, however my cervix was very soft and obviously ready and they can tell you that when they examine you. My midwife practically guaranteed it would work! What was quite funny when she did the sweep was my little girl went crazy when she did it and thrashed around!

You could google membrane sweep or stretch and sweep. I've had 3 during the past week, at 40+5, 40+8 and 40+11. The first two by community midwife at clinic. It's similar to having a smear, they ask you to remove lower half of your clothes and lie on couch, they put paper towel over your lady bits to cover you for a bit of dignity, they will probably check baby position and heart rate first, then with a gloved hand and gel they will put a finger or two inside and try to reach your cervix. If possible they will put a finger inside your cervix and sweep it around a few times.
The first one I had midwife could not reach my cervix which was posterior and closed, it did not hurt. The second time midwife got me to raise my hips by putting my fists under my hips, she could just about reach and had a good go at manipulating cervix, I found it uncomfortable but not awful, was a little sore after and had very small amount of light bleeding. Today I had a better experience at hospital, again just asked to remove bottom half of clothes, my cervix had softened, midwife was able to get a finger inside and sweep round, wasn't painful. They only took a few mins.
Some people have said they worked within a couple of hours, some a couple of days, haven't worked for me yet but still have until tomorrow when I'm booked in for induction, and I think they are worth having. Hope all goes well for you x

Thanks so much all, very helpful!

I had one with ds, it worked. It didn't hurt. I was already 2cm with my first baby.

Booked one in for 40+4 in 2 weeks just in case. At least that way Ill know if I'm anywhere near. Plus it might work.

Hi,
I just had one today, unexpectedly!
Am 40+10 and nothings happening so was worth a try. Was very quick, just had to whip trousers/knickers off and sit under a towel for a couple of quite uncomfortable minutes while doc poked about (this was lunchtime) now feeling a bit achy but nothing major, waiting to see if it has any effect!
Good luck with yours x