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Childbirth

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

Original poster

Did you find a sweep any use?

14 replies

sprite25 · 19/09/2017 18:55

39+2 and had a consultant appointment this afternoon, baby is measuring a bit big so he offered me a sweep. It was bloody painful so was just wondering how effective they are at getting things going? I know these things are different for everyone but was looking for people's experiences of having a sweep?

OP posts:
MrsHarveySpecterV · 19/09/2017 22:05

Hi I had 3 with 1st baby and 3 with 2nd baby, they didn't do anything at all for me. If I have any more babies I won't opt for a sweep this time. Good luck with your labour and new baby x

Original poster
sprite25 · 19/09/2017 22:29

Oh no that's awful, I can't imagine having it done 3 bloody times! The consultant said it 'may be a bit uncomfortable' but I found it really quite painful. I think I'll refuse it if I'm offered it again but wanted to avoid induction

OP posts:
MrsHarveySpecterV · 20/09/2017 10:42

It's horrible when you're getting close to your due date and not wanting to be induced isn't it! That's why I kept accepting the sweeps. Both times I had been on a huge long walk and went into labour in the night, maybe just a coincidence but worth a try. Good luck and enjoy your baby Smile

EdgarAllenPoe · 20/09/2017 13:21

I had a sweep at 40+6. It did make my mucous plug go pretty quickly, and then my waters broke naturally a few hours later but then no contractions happened. After 2 days I was induced, after another day I had an emergency c-section as still only 3cm dilated after 3 days with broken waters and baby (and mother!) getting distressed and tired.

I cannot ever know if it was the sweep that made my waters break, but if it was, clearly it did me no favours. Perhaps waiting a few more days I would have started naturally anyway. Who knows. I wouldn't have another sweep if I were aiming for a vaginal birth. It hurt loads too! It probably works for some, but not me.

Original poster
sprite25 · 20/09/2017 13:30

Thank you for the replies, I've just had a look at my notes and it says my cervix was 1cm dilated, 2cm long and posterior so that probably explains why it was so painful and hasn't done anything to help. Was really hoping it would get things going but I suppose I'll just have to carry on waiting

OP posts:
BaffledMummy · 20/09/2017 16:01

DC1 - sweep at 37 weeks - waters popped an hour after (although no contractions so needed to go on drip to deliver). DC2 - 3 sweeps at 37 and 38 weeks and nothing!

So basically it might or might not work!

Don't remember it hurting - more just a bit uncomfortable.

BonjourMinou · 20/09/2017 16:05

I had a sweep with my first, I found it incredibly painful, I hobbled the rest of the day. Got me nowhere because I wasn't ready. I am having an ELCS this time but I don't personally recommend them.

Original poster
sprite25 · 20/09/2017 17:49

My friend swears by sex to get things going but tbh I don't know if I can be bothered and still feeling abit tender from the sweep, but on the other hand feel like I want to try anything to avoid induction. I'm convinced this baby isn't in any hurry to go anywhere soon so am worried I won't get the water birth I was hoping for

OP posts:
ToadsforJustice · 20/09/2017 20:43

When ever a HCP says "it might be uncomfortable" or "this might pinch a bit", that is code for "this will hurt like hell (and I wouldn't do it)".

IME, sweeps are a waste of time and I don't believe there is any evidence that they work.

Good luck OP. Thanks

AMagdalena · 22/09/2017 09:03

I had a sweep at 40+6 (only 1cm dialated and posterior cervix). Turns out irregular contractions started a few hours later (I had no idea they were contractions which was my biggest fear throughout pregnancu), waters broke the following day and bubba arrived the day after that.
So it looks like it worked for me. And I didn't find it that painful.

CaptWentworth · 22/09/2017 09:08

Did nothing for me. I also found it very painful.

In the end I had an EMCS after a long induction that failed. I had uterine sepsis which I attribute to everyone and their granny having their hands in my cervix over the course of 3 days. Wouldn't do it again.

Mummyh2016 · 30/09/2017 16:45

I had 2 but the first one was to try and get my contractions started after my waters had gone. I then had another one 10 hours later as I was having regular contractions but hadn't dilated anymore. I had my daughter 13 hours later so they both worked but I was ready anyway.

PotteringAlong · 30/09/2017 16:51

I've had 2 in early labour after being induced that worked like a charm. All the ones I had before being in labour and before the pessary had been given time to begin to work were completely pointless

CPtart · 30/09/2017 17:11

I had the first sweep with DS2 at 40+7 which did nothing. Another 24 hours later late afternoon and I delivered around midnight.

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