Consented to a SWEEP but feel violated and a bit depressed.

[drosophila]

Am 41 weeks today and went to see Midwife. Had scan and baby is fine if a little large and then saw midwife who offered a sweep. I agreed and explained that having been induced in the past I was very keen to avoid it. Anyway then she did the sweep and I couldn't believe how much it hurt. I have had two sweeps before and don't remember them hurting as much. She seemed to go on and on and it just reminded me of what was coming.

I feel somehow that I have been assaulted or something. Apparently I am 1cm dialated and she was able to stretch it to 3cm with her fingers. I think she thought she was doing me a favour in helping me avoid chemical induction but I I can't hep feeling like this.

Should it hurt soooo much?>??

Ah I know how you feel. Every medical person is different in how they perfome every procedure. I have had a few sweeps with my pregnancies. With my third child I only had one and it hurt so much. I became faint. i had to lay on my side after for arond 15mins as I thought i was going to pass out. That evening I went into labour and had a beautiful baby girl in my arms 4 hours later. I did feel like this at the time. I thought she had done something wrong the way she performed the sweep on me. My husband was also present for that one and was surprised how much I clung to the bed. Now with my present job I have learnt not to be affraid to stop or say something that you feel is not right or out of turn. If you agree to anything more do not be affraid to say if you do not like what is happening to you.

You poor thing . I've felt like this too, I must have had well over 10 sweeps in the last few years, some I barely felt, others had me weeping in agony. If it's any consolation to you (and I know how trite that sounds - sorry) the ones that really hurt me did seem to be the ones that worked.

I really do understand what you mean by violated although others may feel that is too dramatic.

I had a horrendous colposcopy with a male doctor recently- I won't go into details but it was horrific and I also felt like I had been violated.

Good luck anyway, hope baby comes soon

I had a sweep this week for the first time. I didn;t need one in either of my other pregnancies.

I have to say it was uncomfortable as opposed to painful, but I understand what you mean.

I went to hospital with a false alarm on Thursday morning and had a VE and that was painful. I wonder if your body is getting ready for birth??

I think what helped me was that the lady who did the sweep first had long fingers and the midwife who did the VE had short stubby ones??

At least its over now, sending positive labour vibes your way.

She seemed to be very agressive and physical. Trying to explain it to DP afterwards I likened it to what I imagine fisting must feel like.

I think there is some cramping and maybe it will help move things along.

How are you today, Drosophila?

HAve a lot of bloody mucas discharge and some cramping but very mild. Feel tired and anxious. Have another sweep booked for Monday and am between two minds.

thanks for asking

drosophila - sorry to hear you feel this way. Sweeps can be painful, but if it is that painful, then the midwife should have stopped - maybe she simply didn't realise it was so painful for you.

regarding the sweep booked for monday, if you are tired and anxious, maybe it's best that you cancel. Obviously go for the check up, but you really do not have to have the sweep. In fact the stress of the sweep and thinking about it will not help encourage your body to go into labour naturally - so it maybe counterproductive.

Also I do think you need to talk to the midwife about the experience and how you feel.

She knew it was hurting as she kept telling me to breath through it. I think I was shocked having had two in the past which were uncomfortable but not painful. SHe also chuckled afterwards and said something like 'that was a good sweep'. I will go on Monday but will tell them before that if it hurts like last time I want to stop. Some midwives are lovely and some seem to be so thoughtless and I find myself wondering if they have ever had kids.

i was offered one too but thanks god i had baby before it!

My sweep really hurt too. And didn't do anything - took me 6 more days to go into labour...

wen i had a sweep my midwife made a gruntin sound yuk ARGHH never havin one again, she sounde dliek she was flippin njoyin it!

I know what you mean. Did it make you think of fisting too. And it hasn't worked - still here with the odd crampy feeling. Sick of Raspberry leaf tea. Off to get some Pineapple and ask DP for more nipple stimulation. Perhaps I should ask the Midwife to stimulate my nipples instead.

loooool