Does a sweep hurt if you’re not dialated?

[MrsHopeful88]

Hello,

for those of you that have done it - does a sweep hurt if done too early and you’re not dialated at all? I will have one on Thursday at almost 40weeks but don’t want to be in pain for nothing (no signs of labour so far) and will refuse it if it hurts!

Thank you

Yes it's uncomfortable. Some would say painful. Depends on your physiology, the midwife doing it, your pain threshold.

If you don't want to experience pointless pain (which is likely- they often don't work and do hurt) then refuse.

You also need to consider the reason it's offered- I accepted two as was due to be induced and the potential benefit of going into labour 'naturally' was worth it for me.

With my first pregnancy I had 4 (twice a week from 37 weeks till I was induced at 39 weeks due to reduced movement) I wasn't dilated for the first 2 and the first one hurt because my cervix was really far back and my midwife said she had 'pulled it forwards' the second didn't hurt at all despite not being dilated and it was actually a student midwife that had a go of it then my normal midwife went over her and neither of them hurt at all :)

I just remember when they checked me when I wasn’t dialated- it hurt so bad I cried (I ended up having an emergency c-section). So I’m not sure if this will be similar…

They’re offering it to me because I am close to due date and want to have a VBAC so can’t be induced…

I've had 2 before and no they didn't hurt, just slightly uncomfortable, like a smear test.

I had one at 40 weeks and I was fully closed. It really hurt! And I told I had a high pain threshold during labour. I think it's because my body wasn't ready. She had to be forced out two weeks later!

I had one with my first DC, when I was 18. I'm in my 40's now.

I found it painful and I'm pretty sure, looking back, that I was almost going into shock. I can still remember feeling the blood draining from my face, just managing to get to my bf's (dh) arms before I had to sit down as I felt faint.

The worst thing was that it didn't do shit. I had ds weeks later in hospital.

I had two (same pregnancy) neither hurt just uncomfortable, although they did say my cervix was too high and closed to do a proper sweep.
Neither worked and both made me feel crampy, hormonal and generally rubbish. I wouldn't have one again. I don't think they work unless you're ready to go anyway.

I went for my sweep appointment at 40 weeks and the midwife told me I wasn't dilated enough to have a full one but that just by being examined it might kick start things. She was right that evening I started having mild cramps and went into full labour the following night. The examination itself was only mildly uncomfortable.

I told the midwife if I'm not dilated at all and it's not 'favourable' to stop immediately

Yes. One of those things that they tell women are “uncomfortable” but if they were doing it to men they would give them gas and air!

I had one the day before my due date as they found I had a 'leak'.

It wasn't pleasant but necessary. It did shock me a little but was fine.

Had it done at 5pm, started with light contractions about 7pm....DS was born at 3pm the next day.

I'm sure as you are close to your due date your hospital bag is packed!

Good luck 🌸