What is involved in a sweep, does it hurt and how long does it take?

[Newtobecomingamum]

Hi, please can you let me know your experiences. Also, when do they offer it to you and are there any risks? Does anyone know if you can still have a water birth if you have a sweep? Thanking you in advance for your responses X

It's okay, not great but okay. I had 2 with DD. first was was horrid, but then I was only 2cm and shouldn't of really had it. 2nd time was 3cm and was much better.

Felt very sick both times afterward.

Yes you can have a water birth after a sweep.

Good luck x

Sorry, forgot to say...

I had my sweep at 40 weeks plus a few days, can't remember.

Doctor checked me out and said, if you'd like we can do a sweep but its up to you as you're 2cm.

I had one, done by the MW and it was fine. I went home on Friday night - DS1 arrived super quick Saturday night, I was 40 + 10 days so was keen not have an induction. I would say MV rather than does doctors are ( making wild generalisation here) are slightly more gentle and know their way around better. I had problems at 28 weeks so was very prodded and poked and the doctors were far worse than MWs. I think it's worth it, no worse than a smear test, and in comparison with what comes next a walk in the park

My mw won't offer one until 40+7.

You probably won't be offered one until after your due date (unless there is a medical reason for inducing labour).

You hop on the examination table or bed, legs open, MW inserts her fingers and runs them round your cervix. It takes seconds, can be uncomfortable (good chance to practise calming breathing) but is over very soon. Mostly I didn't feel any different after mine, although when the consultant did one, it was painful and there was some bleeding afterwards so you might one to make sure you have a pad on just in case.

Good luck.

NICE guidelines are at 40+7 for a first baby and term for a second, unless there's medical reasons to have one earlier.

I had one with DS as labour had stopped at 4cms. It was uncomfortable but doesn't take long whereas some of my internals during labour did take a bit longer and were more uncomfortable as they triggered contractions. Just focus on keeping your bum on the bed and breathing, your reflex will be to lift your bum which will make it take longer so just breathe and try to relax!

Glad I have read this as I might have to be started off at 37 weeks due to the size of my baby and I am only a size 8 have never had one before so interesting to read your stories thanks x

I had 3 with dd1. The first 1 was horrendously painful. Over in minutes but had to be peeled off my bedroom ceiling. The 2nd one was uncomfortable but bearable but the mw was a lot more gentle. The 3rd one was painful.

I'm booked in for one on The day after my due date and was wondering if I will be able to walk back to my house after, it's a mile away, is it good to walk after? I have had a couple of speculums during pregnancy and don't find them painful at all, is it anything like that?

igirisu, IME you probably will be able to walk home, but you might want to go prepared to either a) wait and rest for a while before attempting the walk and b) being prepared to catch a taxi if you need to. Will you be taking anyone with you to the appointment to hand hold? That could make all the difference.

And don't forget that you don't have to have one at all either :) I won't be for the simple reason that they only work if you are about to go into labour anyway so why bother?

It's not gr8 if body not ready. Consultant will tell u if effaced but only lasts 10 secs.

Exactly. I had my first one at 41+2 and they couldn't do it cos wasn't effaced enough n that's why it bloody hurt them having a rummage. By 2nd one at 41+6 they still couldn't do for the same reason. Last hurrah at 42+1 cos really didn't want to be induced they could do it and went into labour at 42+3 dd was very comfy!

I think I had about 3 with bith dc.ds was 10 days over and dd 7. They said I couldn't have any more sweeps with dd, even though I was v pissed off with being pregnant. She was born that night though. Although I'm not sure if it was the sweep, the entire pineapple or dyeing my hair that finally did it.

Thanks for sharing all of your experiences everyone! It's been so helpful X

I have had 4 in total. For me, all were totally fine. Slightly uncomfortable. No pain, walked home like nothing had happened.

I had one and it was fine, it only lasted a few minutes, I hardy felt anything and I had my show right afterwards. Lots of people have had a different experience though.