Should I have a sweep?

[TondelayoSchwarzkopf]

I have an induction booked next week. A few days before I'll be in for monitoring and I've been offered a sweep. I'm not sure about having it because:

• had one before, hated it and it didn't work
• evidence on this board suggests they don't work unless you are already about to go into labour (in which case - what's the point?)
• my DS will be with me as it's school holidays

On the other hand

• will it be worth checking to see how 'ready' I am and therefore get a vague idea of how likely the induction is to work quickly
• worth a try anyway?

Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts really.

I was induced with ds and I'm pretty sure they did an internal first to check dilation etc anyway - so they may as well stretch things at the same time
Good luck. I'm heading post dates with this one I reckon... :(

Yeah, I think I've decided not to have one - I'll just wait for the induction.
Thanks for your reply and hope it goes OK with you. :)

I've had three babies and had sweeps on them all.
baby #1 - four sweeps, none worked. induced 40+12
baby #2 - asked the midwife for a "rough" sweep as I didnt want to go so far overdue again. She really was rough. Labour started that night :)
baby #3 - again asked for a rough sweep...had five rough ones but none were as rough as previous pregnancy. induced 40+12 :(

I have no qualms having sweeps if it brings labour on :)

A "rough sweep"???

crosses legs

Yes, ime, the rougher the better. Unfortunately it has to hurt! I had 4 last pregnancy and the last one did the trick, but I had tears in my eyes!! Two so far this time, have lost mucus plug and have been TORTURED with Braxton hicks, but nothing so far. Am 41 weeks. Induction not until Monday so hoping for another "rough" sweep on Thursday at midwife appointment. I can't stand this waiting. My DD was born on her due date :-(

apparently a sweep is much less painful and more likely to work with a second baby!

I also used evening primrose oil which supposedly helps ripen & thin the cervix.

One oral, one in the foof.

Had a sweep with my first when I'd already been in slow/"false" labour for two nights and a day, then came back to the hospital later and was definitely in active labour. I didn't really think it hurt - well, not compared to the contractions! I wouldn't hesitate to have it again.