Sweep tomorrow and terrified

[Fairy130389]

All I keep remembering is when I had my coil fitted and the pain was horrific... I know it's tip of the iceberg given that the aim of the game is labour but can anyone tell me (honestly) how much it hurts? Will it work?

I think it varies. It didn't hurt me, but I did need two to get labour going.

It is a good opportunity to practice your breathing, as it isn't that pleasant.

Don't be scared

Honestly, its only slightly uncomfortable.

I've had the coil fitted and can say that it's absolutely nothing like the pain that causes! I cried loads when having the coil fitted, it was seriously awful.

I had my sweep last Thursday at 40 + 2 and it did not hurt at all. More of a period pain feeling.

If you're really nervous tell the midwife before hand, she will talk you through it as its happening so you know what's going on.

Breathe in and out slowly three times and it should be over!

I had 3 sweeps with my first and they were not painful at all. They didn't work though... I always think the more gentle they are the less likely any effect! I didn't bother second time and just waited to be induced. Some babies just don't want to shift!!!

I know it's hard but try to stay calm and relax as much as possible, fwiw i had two sweeps and they were fine, barely felt them. The coil going in ( and coming out a few weeks later !!) i felt more to put it into some sort of perspective - Good Luck !

It's not too bad- more relaxed you are the less uncomfortable it will be. I had one today and it was fine, just had to remember to breath! Plus you get to find out how you are getting along. Still have my fingers crossed as far as it working goes... How far overdue are you?

I convinced my MWs to let me have gas and air for my sweeps - I have some scar tissue down there (tmi - sorry) which means anything or anyone ferreting about in that area causes pain. So it might be worth you asking for the same if you're really worried about how much it will hurt.

My asking caused some surprise but they generally seemed very happy to let me have it - I certainly didn't need to battle for it. They ended up writing on my notes that I would require gas and air for any internal exams etc so I didn't need to keep explaining myself, which helped.

It might just be that I'm a wuss tho!

Good advice to explain you're wary and hope you can get some gas and air.

I've had 3 sweeps ranging from uncomfortable and a bit ouchy to actually hurt a bit. The latter got labour started (she told me to say stop if I wanted to but was v keen not to be induced so stayed quiet).

As was mentioned above, something to test your breathing exercises on.

Well, to update you ladies, had sweep yesterday, was only vaguely uncomfortable, apparently I'm 1cm dialated but no labour last night just a lot niggly pains which haven't developed into anything, so looks like more waiting for baby! x