Having a sweep with Vaginismus

[Graceelizabeth123]

Hiya,

Currently 22+5. Starting to think more about labour and how we want to go about it.

I've asked if I can be induced early, which the hospital seem positive with as long as the baby is a healthy weight. I want to give birth naturally to see if it helps my condition, as it can't go backwards. So being induced would encourage for the baby to be a little bit smaller for the birth.

But I wanted to ask people that have vaginismus how they found having a sweep?

I don't have the condition but do struggle with smear tests and used to struggle in other situations occasionally.

Just had two sweeps and they were quite a painful experience. Now this could be because I am not in anyway 'favourable' as yet and also due to the students stood watching 🤔

Most people I know said they were uncomfortable but not painful so I don't think my experience is the norm.

Good Luck xx

Does the hospital know about your condition?

I also have vaginismus and had a sweep with my first. Hospital was really supportive and gave me gas which absolutely did help but can't say it was an enjoyable experience.

I would say that being induced is the worst thing that you could do. You are much more likely to have repeated vaginal examinations, it could take several days especially if it happens before you are due. If you have a spontaneous labour there is a chance you will only have one or two examinations (or none if you really don't want any!) You don't have to have a sweep. In most cases labour will start on it's own without one. I hope it goes well for you.

Sweeps are absolutely pointless and you are better off refusing them anyway (google and read up on sweeps; totally unnecessary). Sweeps do not bring on proper labour, only a protein released by baby's lungs when they are ready to be born brings on progressive labour.

I dont have vaginismus but my cervix is very difficult to "find" for a sweep and I find any sweep or internal examination when i'm in labour/being induced excruciating. Sweeps are also a great way of introducing bacteria to you/baby.

Do some proper research into sweeps.

Being induced tends to mean more intervention and internal exams .
why would being induced help?