Did a sweep work for you?

[FoxSticks]

I'm 40+7 with my second dc. I had a sweep this morning and the mw said I was 3cm dilated, with a soft short cervix. I had quite a lot of cramps for about 3 hours afterwards but they have died down now. I'm due another two sweeps on Monday and Wednesday if things aren't moving by then.

I'm interested to know if sweeps have been successful for other people, and if you needed more than one to get things moving. Thanks

I had one sweep with DS1 and he was born next day. I went for a sweep with DS2 and like you was already 3cm I had some cramping pains then all went quiet until 3am next morning DS2 was born at 6am. Good Luck.

I ended up having 3 sweeps, the last one feeling like I had done 2 rounds with a boxer ( 40 plus 6) it did not start things off I feel, I just felt violated and sore. Sorry! I have been told by friends once was enough to get them going though...... good luck for the happy day

I guess this might be one of those how much is a kettle of fish questions, it's good to hear other people's experiences though

No I had two and neither worked. I wasn't favourable though, despite being overdue, and I wouldn't have one again in similar circumstances.

i think i'd feel differently if there was any sign of things happening.

Can they tell if you are favourable without examining you? My mw said I was but only after the sweep. I hadn't had a show prior to the sweep but I have since, so no signs prior to this morning other than she could feel the baby was engaged.

Sweep at 40+3 with DC2, I went into labour immediately, but then I was already 5 cm dilated. Gave birth 6 hours later.
Had to be induced at 38-39 weeks with DC3. First sweep at 38 weeks, 2 cm dilated did nothing. Second sweep day of induction did nothing. I was given the gel 12 hours later, I went off like a rocket, 7 hours later my contractions stopped and I was still only 2 cm dilated. Things only happened once they broke my waters, I went through hell and back and baby was born in 10 minutes (yep, 2 cm to baby out in 10 minutes).

So my conclusion is only do it if you are "ripe", otherwise it just hurts, and it will only help if you are pretty ready.
If I ever had a 4th (ha!) and needed to bring on labour I would always start with a sweep. I found the chemical induction very painful and overwhelming.

My sweep was at 39 weeks - had already had a show. Two hours after sweep, labour started and DD was born a few hours later

My body was ready though

Mine bloody well did!
My cervix was high and hardly dilated at 1pm when I had one. They booked me another and induction for a weeks time just in case.
Felt a "pop" 4 hours later. Contractions came thick and fast. 10 hours after the sweep, baby was here!

2cm to baby out in 10 minutes? wow. I had the gel with dc1 and had the baby in 12 hours. This time they have said I won't need the gel as my cervix is already soft and favourable so they would just break my waters straight off when inducing me. Slightly scared now

I had 3. The first 2 they couldn't even do. The last one at 40+15 'might' have worked. Went into labour 40+17 but might have done n e way without the sweep iyswim

I'm surprised at how many people seem to have an immediate reaction, I just assumed if anything would happen it would happen tonight. I'm amazed you got to 40+17, northern, I feel like I'm going crazy already!

I was surprisingly comfortable, didn't get too big, walking 3 miles a day up till that point. I realise I was extremely lucky! I Didn't want unnecessary intervention either so refused to be induced

During my 4 pregnancies I've had 9 sweeps not one has worked. The three I have had with this pregnancy have caused me to contract on and off since Monday but they always stop after a couple of hours it's starting to get on my nerves!!

I had one yesterday lunchtime, really bad period pain all afternoon that eventually turned into every-4-minute contractions that lasted 24 hours. They've died off a bit during the day, but now seem to be back a bit. I think maybe last night was a reaction to the sweep, but what's starting up now might be more of the real thing. I'm 40+13.

I had 4! Was 3cm and soft/short, head fully engaged from 36 weeks and I still had to be induced at 41+5

Had 2 last time, found them very uncomfortable and nothing happened. 36 weeks with number 2 now, won't be having any this time if offered.
Hope you're not waiting too much longer foxsticks!

Had 2, cervix was unfavourable and both did nothing. I'd still give it a go again though, I've been induced twice and its best avoided although both deliveries were fine it just took ages. I reckon it depends like a lot of these things how ready you already are.

I had 2, no joy with any but deffo have the second one. I had my waters broke and put on the drip at 40+13

I had 3 didn't work still had to be induced...