the show/sweep

[Lalli35]

Hello,

I'm currently two days over my due date. On saturday I got 'the show' and was told I was 1cm, but since then other than painful braxton hicks there has been nothing.

I had the midwife last Thursday and she said she'd give me a sweep next Thursday if nothing had happened. Does anyone know though if the membrane sweep is the midwife trying to stimulate the cervix to produce 'the show' or is it something totally different?

Ooh also, the midwife on Saturday said my cervix was very far back (I had to sit on my hands and rock my pelvis so she could get to it), does anyone know if this means I'll have a difficult labour or does the cervix shift forward for birth?

thank you!

L

only based on my own limited experience, they do the stretch / sweep to stimulate the cervix, even if you are already in early labour - and even if already had a show. i had a show 2 days before labour started. when i wnet into hosp and they examined me she did a quick sweep while she was in the area - so it think it is just to speed things along.
not sure about cervix position but i'm sure it will get to where it needs to be.
good luck!!!
don't be scared - just keep calm and get excited x

if that is possible!!! slight contracition i guess!!!

sp contradiction

Thanks Stinkypants!

That's all good to know, it's all such a learning curve!

I have moments of being bl**dy scared (bit late in the day now!) and being really excited. It's the waiting game that's such hardwork at the moment.

L

sweep would be to stimulate the cervix releasing prostaglandins and encouraging you to labour. in thory. sometimes works sometimes doesn't. depends whether you are ready to.

cervix is almost always pointing back (posterior) before labour. once labour is about to start/getting going it moves to the middle with contractions -as it opens.

don't be scared - you are nearly there. it's exciting!