Advice on sweeps and induction

[missyfafa]

HI, I am having a massive dilemma and wanted some advice. The situation is that I am overdue with baby number 2 but only by 4 days. My problem is that my father is terminally ill and has been given only days to live. I really wanted him to see this baby before he passes away. Under normal circumstances I would not be happy having a sweep to 'help things along' but I am really torn. If nothing happens by next week I am scared Dad will never have a chance to meet his grandchild and this feels terribly important to me somehow.
I have read a lot about sweeps being painful but are they really that uncomfortable, can they be helpful and do they result in more intervention? Has anyone any experience of this? Is it something to be avoided or is there anything positive to say about them?
Many thanks in anticipation of advice.

People might say its better to let things happen naturally, but sweeps are generally seen as the least invasive of induction methods.
There is a very small chance that it could rupture your membranes (break your waters) but that is not common.
It shouldn't hurt, its just like a vaginal exam but they run a finger around the cervix to push back the membranes.
It can be uncomfortable and some people bleed a little afterwards.
Its not always effective, but sometimes having another 48 hours later if labour does not start after the first sweep might help.
In your situation it might be worth considering, have a chat with your midwife.
Selina x

I had a sweep today, was absolutely terrified, DP wasnt there as it was a routine appointment - it was fine. bit uncomfortable but thats it. I was already 1cm dilated though which i didnt even know..

Yes it hurt like hell. However temporary pain is worth it for you to see you beloved dad with your lovely baby. I wish you all the very best for both major events that are comig your way soon.

hi missyfafa, I had a sweep today (I'm also overdue by 4 days). I was worried about it, but I couldn't believe how quick and painless it was - just remember to breathe. I'd say it was less painful than a smear, and certainly a lot faster.

Nothing seems to have happened as yet, but I'll keep you posted... hope everything works out for you.

its uncomfortable but not really painful. Try acupuncture, I have about 5 friends who had it and went in to labour within 24 hours

I had a sweep and still had to be induced with a drip in hospital 5 days later......

Sorry but I was totally traumatised by my sweep,it was really horrendous and I started to cry it hurt so much,didn't help that it was a shock as I had no idea that was what the midwife was about to do.Also the research does link induction to greater intervention and a far greater chance of a c-section. I can completely see your need for your father to meet his grandchild,and I am really sorry that you are in this situation,but my feeling is that sweeps only "work" when you are about to go into labour anyway,and if they hasten the process then they may disrupt the complex hormonal chain of events and change your birth outcome.accupunture could also bring on your labour more quickly.Again the aurgument against it is that it could disrupt the hormonal process,but i feel it is possibly more sensitive to your body than a sweep would be,so perhaps that is an option.Or leave it to fate and what will be will be.Your baby will arrive at the right time for him/her and in the long run that may be fine.Your father has met the baby in a sense,as the baby is already here,of course he hasn't seen his grandchild,but he knows that the baby is there.Good luck with whatever course of action you choose,and again I'm so sorry that you are losing your Dad.

I had two sweeps with DD1 and yes they were uncomfortable, but not painful. It was pressure more than anything else. That being said I had an excellent obstetrician who managed to make internals during labour not hurt at all. My theory is that it's more to do with who is performing it, rather than the act itself.

That being said I ended up with an syntocin drip the following week (which was nowhere near as scary as I was lead to believe btw).

just do what you think is right.

Thank you all for your advice.
I have been with Dad all day and now see that the decision has been taken out of my hands anyway. I think he is no longer recognising people around him being in a semi conscious state and so would probably not realise his grandchild has made an appearance. As sad as it I guess everything happens for a reason and the baby will come when it is good and ready.

I am sorry to read your sad update.The only consoling thing is that a new soul will be arriving as an old one leaves,and there is something timely and touching about that.Your Dad will be there in the new baby.Wishing you love and happiness with the new arrival and good luck for the birth.