i just got the sweep done

[claire87]

i was at my midwife appointment today (38 weeks) and because i have been having extreme pressure and pains she offered the sweep...does that mean she agree's the baby is wanting to come now just needs a little help? do you think the sweep will help me go soon?? xx

I know I should know this, but what is a sweep? I've heard the term, but still don't know what it actually does .

Sometimes the sweep can work... but in more than half of cases it doesn't. It will work depending on how 'ready' your cervix is for labour. But only the baby can decide when she/he is coming unfortunately! Look out for signs of show and be aware of any niggles because it COULD work!
A few things I tried to hurry things along were bouncing on an exercise ball, raspberry leaf tea (won't get you into labour but will help prepare your body for labour and possibly make it easier), sex , hot curries, the core of a pineapple and walking walking walking!

I had extreme itching in pregancy and had be induced, but my labour was easy with no complications, and I think at least some of these things might have helped.

apples82, the widwife basically uses her fingers to seperate the membranes using a 'sweeping motion hopefully releasing a hormone that can start off labour. It's uncomfortable and not sure to work, but when your at the stage when you just want the baby OUT then it's a bit of help :).

well after that sweep i woke up this morning soaking but not dripping liquid and lost a big blob out of me...hospital just kinda ignored me and told me not come come in and get checked to just hope for the best i am so confused...dont know if its my water or not :(

Hi Claire, it could be a show and of course everything a damper down there anyway in pregnancy. If you're not sure if its your waters you should put a pad on (proper maternity pad, not an Allways) and see how damp it is in an hour or so. If its wet its probably your waters, so give the hospital a call. good luck. A