Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Childbirth

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

Original poster

to sweep or not to sweep, that is the question!

16 replies

fourlittlefeet · 13/01/2009 12:12

quick survey... am 39 +4, been having strong (but not painful) contractions for 12 hours now. think cervix is favourable and have an appointment with the obstetrician. Its a vbac so I'd quite like to go off naturally (and in good time) so that my body is working with itself and also so I don't get near a c-section deadline. would you go for a sweep or let it happen naturally... it seems so near!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
wishingchair · 13/01/2009 12:43

I had a sweep with both my DCs and didn't find it did much to help. Both were more than a week late! That said, I wasn't against the clock in the same way as you are so I'd probably go for it. If you're having contractions then a sweep might give things a kick start?

Original poster
fourlittlefeet · 13/01/2009 12:46

thats what i'm thinking, but have heard they can be painful/break waters/introduce infection/are new fangled and un-necessary aghhh!

OP posts:
wishingchair · 13/01/2009 13:00

Wouldn't say painful but intrusive and not particularly pleasant ... but you'll have that same experience later when they're checking to see how dilated you are anyway! I don't know anyone who had their waters broken accidentally by a sweep or who got an infection but that doesn't mean to say it doesn't happen. Maybe talk to your obstetrician about it.

Lotster · 13/01/2009 14:33

I had one, didn't do much. Not too unpleasant either, but then I was desperate for her to do one!

My midwife said they work if you're ready, and not if you're not. So really only speeding things up very slightly.

Good luck!

Original poster
fourlittlefeet · 13/01/2009 16:19

thank you! in the end cervix not favourable enough so have to wait another week now , though he did 'have a good rummage' so we'll see what it brings!

OP posts:
Original poster
fourlittlefeet · 14/01/2009 07:30

just had a show and some cramping since 3.. maybe more is happening than he let on! those crafty professionals....

OP posts:
Lotster · 14/01/2009 14:22

Only just seen this! as you've not posted since I assume you are probably popping the LO out like a bar of soap by now?!! Here's hoping...

NimChimpsky · 14/01/2009 14:55

oh how exciting flf!

Original poster
fourlittlefeet · 14/01/2009 18:09

noooo. still here . acupuncture booked tomorrow.. come on bub.. lets be having you!

OP posts:
Lotster · 14/01/2009 23:08

Well show is a good sign anyway... keep us posted!

Original poster
fourlittlefeet · 15/01/2009 11:25

will do! am putting the updates here as I don't need two am I in labour threads!!

OP posts:
FaeriePrincess · 19/01/2009 15:45

Too late to help you, Op, but I had a sweep, and it was both painful and intrusive. Caused some spot bleeding but did nothing to bring on labour.

Would definitely NOT have it if offered it with this pregnancy.

LeninGrad · 19/01/2009 17:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

kipper78 · 19/01/2009 20:32

i had a sweep when i was 40+4 days..best thing i ever had,didnt hurt and went into labour the following afternoon!! was told i would have to wait 14 days to be induced if no sign of baby which actually made me cry i was huge(my boy weighed 9lb 11oz)...so the sweep was my only chance!! dont regret it one bit!

hkz · 20/01/2009 11:09

I had a sweep this morning, I am 40+6... it didn't hurt...am waiting to see what effect it has...

mummyofthomas · 20/01/2009 17:56

i had the same experience as leningrad, both were painful and didnt seem to do anything but my thinking was it was worth a try, atill ended up being induced
goodluck fourlittlefeet x

New posts on this thread. Refresh page