stretch and sweep.... ??

[BellasYummyMummy]

39+4 today and mw has just booked me in for a S+S next wednesday when Ill be 4 days overdue.

What are peoples experiences like with this? It sounds awful. I was going to have one with my first child but luckily had her before the appointment! The mw has said i dont have to have it and can decide on the day. so if i get to that point is it a yay or a nay?

It isn't awful - I had one with DD1, and it was a little uncomfortable, but not dreadful. Less bother than a smear, actually. Don't do it if you don;t want to (I was desperate to get DD1 out )

Good luck - hopefully, you won't need it!

I've had one today! And to be honest was pleasantly surprised because I wasn't looking forward to it.

Like Poledra says, less bother than a smear, was over quickly and din't hurt at all, just a tad uncomfortable. MW said my cervix was quite soft though and she could feel baby's head, I wonder if it's different depending on what stage you're at, I'm currently 8 days overdue.

Yup, same here - it was OK. Had 2 and the second one was a tad more, erm, violent..... but the MW new I was desperate not to get to induction. I was 41 + 2 by then and in early labour for 48 hours anyway.

Just stay as relaxed as possible, think of something else and keep your fingers crossed it works.

thanks for replies, doesnt sound too bad then! will see what stage i am at!

I had one yesterday and the MW said my cervix was closed at the top and only just opened at bottom which is not very promising. It did hurt but was not as bad as i had expected mostly uncomfortable. Unfortunately i have not had any signs of labour yet and am 41 + 1. I have heard that a sweep will only really trigger labour if you are pretty much there anyway but if you are anxious to get things going it is definately worth giving it a try. Best just to not overthink it. The other advantage is that MW will be able to tell how far on your cervix is which could be a good indicator of how much longer you may still have to wait. I am booked in for induction on saturday if nothing happens before then.

Good luck x

oh carolinemy, hope things get moving for you soon. lots of luck!

Thanks Bellas. Still no signs today afraid but am not really expecting it after what MW said about cervix being closed. Have you made a decision about having one yet or not?

MW attempted one this morning, although cervix is still closed, she said it was thin, very soft and baby's head is very very low, she seemed to think this was all good. Am 41 weeks today.

Didn't hurt at all, in fact it wasn't even uncomfortable - she did have a 'mess' with my cervix (as apparently that can be quite effective as well, it all gets prostaglandins released) whilst she was there

Have have a bit of bleeding since but nothing major, and almost immediately there was definitely something 'show-like'.

Really wasn't keen on having it done beforehand but thought this morning I may as well go for it, can't do any harm!

i will probably have it done, i will go along to the appointment anyway and if i decide for whatever reason i dont want it ill just say, but if it can potentially get things going then i'm all for it! suffering with a dreadful cold so hopefully baby will stay put for a little longer.

BellasYummyMummy - you probably know this already, but "overdue" is the wrong word - normal human gestation is 37-42 weeks, you are not actually overdue until after 42 weeks. Your estimated date of delivery is just that - estimated.

So by having a Sweep you are encouraging labour possibly before it is
ready.

OTOH if you are desperate to get baby out, I've heard S&S can help, but only if you are getting near to labour anyway. I have heard some people describe it as horribly painful, but mostly not.

thanks smile, yes i knew that.

First one was 'ok', second one was a bit more uncomfortable but very brief. Good luck

Sorry, there I go, preaching to the converted again!