40+2 weeks - to sweep or not to sweep? & is it painful?!

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Hi all - I’m 40 weeks pregnant today. No signs yet of baby other than a tiny bit of cramp here and there. Baby is head down. I’ve been offered a sweep on Wednesday when I’ll be 40+2 and then again if it hasn’t worked on Friday or Saturday when I’ll be 40+4/5. I’m in two minds as I REALLY want Labour to come on naturally but also would probably prefer a sweep than have the pessary/drip next Monday (at 41 weeks). I know I can always decline but the risks to baby do worry me if I am not induced as I know someone that did have a negative outcome (although I know the risk is small).

What have others in my position opted to do? Have you had 1 or 2 sweeps (I’ve heard 2nd can be more effective) and how much did it hurt? This also scares me!

Thank you!

Sweep "worked" with DD but not with DS (who knows if I'd have gone naturally with DD). I found it very painful both times despite being dilated. Everyone is different though, for lots of people it really just is mildly uncomfortable.

I have 4 children and have had sweeps on all of them. On 2 of my children either the sweep worked or just coincidence I had them both the day after. I was overdue on both of them, 10 days and 9 days. I've never found sweeps painful, just uncomfortable. They're re over and done with quite quickly. I'd definitely opt for trying a sweep than an induction

I had two sweeps and unfortunately neither were effective. It was only a bit uncomfortable - not super painful for me - and it was over quickly. I was desperate for things to start naturally (unfortunately they didn't and I had induction by pessaries due to big baby and pregnancy induced hypertension) so I was very willing to have sweeps to try and get things going. I wouldn't hesitate to have a sweep again in future pregnancies. Good luck xx

I had two sweeps - first made no difference but second at 40+10 days did. I have wondered if it was the sweep or just they had to come out at some stage.

It didnt hurt but was uncomfortable but only whilst it was being done. I was so fed up by then though I would have tried anythjng.

Had the sweep at about 11am on the Monday, followed by a longish (and very grumpy) walk and then the evening spent on my bouncy ball thing. My waters broke at about 5am on the Tuesday and baby was born at 12.15am (early hours of Wednesday).

Wishing you all the best x

I've had two inductions and had (failed) sweeps before both. The first wasn't very pleasant but the second was mildly only mildly uncomfortable.

Neither of them did too much good BUT they did give an idea what my cervix doing, and to be honest I'd have another if we were having another child as induction is a faff at the very least. If there is a chance a sweep might help a bit then I'd take it. Worst case it's a couple of minutes of feeling uncomfortable and wasting a bit of time.

As others have said it’s hard to know if it’s coincidence or not but I had a sweep at 40+3 & went in to labour a day & a half later. It wasn’t super painful for me more uncomfortable. As others have said it’s over & done with quickly. Good luck OP whatever you decide.

Mine was more uncomfortable than actual painful. I did grip DH hand as it did feel very unnatural.

What did hurt was bad cramps that night. It felt like bad period/trapped wind all at once. I remember rubbing my belly apologising to DD that I wouldn’t do that again. Labour did start three days after then but I was already 42weeks.

Remember a sweep is a form of induction and any induction can kick off a cascade of interventions. I’d decline at this stage.

I had a sweep at 40+3, baby born at 40+5.

I had 1 on my due date with my 2nd. It didn't work but was only slightly uncomfortable and not painful at all. 1st baby was born on my due date with no sweep. 2nd was born 3 days late with a sweep

I had one at 40+3 wasn't at all dilated etc. My waters went with a trickle 3 days later at 40+6 and I was then on countdown to induction. After 24hrs I still wasn't in active labour (though gentle contractions had been ongoing during that time). I was reluctant to start full induction process so asked for a final sweep at 41wks. Midwife did it, broke my hind waters and suddenly all kicked off. I was fully dilated within 5hrs and Bubba was born at 1.33am at 41+1. I don't remember the sweep being particularly painful, more a bit uncomfortable. I was glad it kick-started things before they went for pessaries/gels/drips etc. Good luck! ☺️

I had a sweep on my due date with my 2nd baby, she was born 8 hours later in the pool on the MLU.
I'm having a sweep today with my 3rd baby at 39+3. Good luck!

Just to add - it was uncomfortable but not painful, I'm hoping this one won't be either

@Suchardchoccy how did it go? I hope it went well. Mine is at 2.30 today.

My cervix was soft and I'm about 1-2cm but she said baby's head is quite high and when she was sweeping me her head was going further up. It was definitely uncomfortable, more so than my one with my 2nd but still not painful. Haven't had any cramping or anything so I don't hold high hopes for it to work! Worth a try tho and good to know how my cervix is doing I suppose.
Good luck with yours today!!

I agreed to one at 40 weeks exactly and wish I'd waited a week. Baby was nowhere near ready and learning that was stressful.

I found it a bit painful but more upsetting and ultimately unhelpful. Ended up going into labour at approx 41weeks.

@Suchardchoccy ah good news that your cervix is soft and 1-2cm! Glad it wasn’t too painful for you either. Thank you! Hopefully not long for us both!

I had 3 or 4 with DS. Didn't do a thing. Neither did induction. He was born via c section. Nobody is putting their hand inside me this time. Baby will come when they're ready, whenever that is.

I'm booked in for another one next Tuesday when I'll be 40+3. Hopefully not! 🤞🏻

I refused sweeps because no medical professionals, or internet searches, could provide me any evidence that they actually work. There seems to be no comparison information for women who were the same duration of pregnant and didn't have sweeps. It was an intrusion that I didn't want to do with no actual evidence of it helping. But your body, so you should make up your own mind and I hope it all goes well for you.

I had a sweep last Thursday when I was 40+6 and DS2 arrived early hours Saturday. My MW said I was favourable as I was 1-2cm. I wanted to avoid my induction booked for Wednesday. It got things moving but was a bit slower and less consistent than with my first where things ramped up in a very obviously and consistent way.
It was uncomfortable but not painful. Made my jaw and toes clench up haha.

Thanks so much everyone. Been for the sweep today - it was uncomfortable and a bit toe curling but just focused on my breathing and it was over in a minute. I’m 1cm dilated and cervix has shortened so fingers crossed it works x

Good luck!! They are a bit toe curling yes haha, especially when my MW told she was pulling my cervix forward, I don't need that information 😩

@Suchardchoccy haha yes sometimes ignorance is bliss! Good luck! Keep me
updated :)

I had one at 40 weeks and it seemed to do the trick. :)