Question about sweeps and internal exams? Help?

[Chelle1986]

Sorry if a bit graphic....I feel a bit silly asking this but I am only 24, therefore have never even had a smear and this is my first baby...am 37+1

Midwife now doesn't want to see me until 40 weeks, all good because all is well. But she said that at this point they will prob do a sweep. I am fully aware of what this is etc and don't mind having one - or any internal exams that are necessary during labour etc.

But because I've never had a smear or anything I'm concerned re how far in they stick there fingers/hands? I don't want to end up being really shocked...sorry does that sound really stupid?

So really my question is how far ''in'' do they go when doing the sweep and also with internal exams to check your dialation?

Thanks in advance.xxx

Its not a silly question :)

The MW will most likely ask you to lie on your back, put your feet together near your bum and then let your knees drop open. She'll need to go far enough in to reach your cervix - but that's usually within reach of a normal finger so shouldn't be a major struggle. Certainly when I had them for DD2 the being "in" bit wasn't painful - although the pressure on my cervix wasn't great (when they were inserting prostin gel for induction) and I didn't appreciate lying on my back.

Many women find sweeps absolutely fine, but some do find them uncomfortable - ditto VE's, especially when you're in labour. A suggestion I've seen is to practice the phrase "Stop that AT ONCE!" in the mirror using a very stern tone of voice and, if it gets a bit much on the day, don't be afraid to use it! Its also worth remembering that you can always ask the MW why they want to do a VE and that - if you do find them uncomfortable/unpleasant you might decide that you want to minimise them and understanding what information the MW is hoping to find out and how it will be used is a good starting point to that.

Hope that helps :)

Great advice, Tangle. Also, be aware that you can have a baby without anyone ever doing an internal. My second was born with any intervention at all. And that was at a hospital.

I had a sweep at 41 weeks and tbh didn't find it the most delightful experience - that said it was just uncomfortable and for me was a small taster of what was to come (many nurses / midwives, many hands up there!). Just relax, breathe deeply and slowly and you'll be fine.

P.s. When I had the sweep the midwives hand went up further than I thought anyone's hand could - I would love to have seen the look on my face at that point!

Thanks all, I feel a bit better now.xxx