May be having sweep today - any reassurance?!

[islingtongirl]

Going for my 40 week appt today (actually 39+5 but just way dates have worked out) - midwife said at last appointment she could see if she can do a sweep - I thought "great" at the time, now I feel a little nervous...is it going to be awful? If so, is it worth it? I'm not overdue yet (although getting a tiny bit impatient) but if I can avoid going overdue and possible induction then perhaps that's a good thing...as you can probably tell this is dc1, and I am home alone on mat leave so mind is working overdrive - appointment in 2 hours!

I had a sweep at 41 weeks and it didnt hurt at all, maybe a teeny but uncomfortable, after I thought was that it?! Also I went into labour 12 hoes later so for me it worked!

Phew - thanks Rach! Am imagining its a bit like a rougher smear test? Presumably she will say if she can't do it (read can only do it if favourable?) or do they always try?

I would say on par with a smear, the more relaxed you are the better, plus it's very quick. Hmm not sure if they will try no matter what but she did check me first to make sure it was worth giving it a go x

I wouldn't push for a sweep until actually overdue myself. If you want she can check your cervix and only do it if it's very soft... just ask for what you want, there are three real choices:
a) no internal at all
b) check cervix and only sweep if very favourable
c) sweep if at all possible (could be sore)

Thanks - I think I'll go for b) then, I don't want it if not favourable, seems pointless and like you said sore, for no reason!

Ps how do they check? Do they use a speculum thing like in a smear test? Sorry I know I could just wait until appointment, just impatient and worrying!

No just with fingers, I agree and didnt have one until a week overdue x

I had sweep when I was a week overdue. Didn't hurt and a labour started 6 hours later. I wasn't offered it in till I was a week over.

Hi islingtongirl, I had two when I was pregnant with DC1 - one at 40 weeks and one at 41 weeks. Neither were painful, just a bit of an odd feeling that made me hold my breath. I agree with the other posters though - my 40 week sweep did nothing at all because my cervix wasn't favourable so I think your plan sounds like a good one.

Good luck and don't forget to post your live labour thread if it works

Thank you all - will post an update once am back from appointment. Not holding my breath (well maybe during the sweep breadrolls ) that she will be able to do anything as reckon first baby, likely to be overdue and not ready etc - but you never know!

Good luck! You will be fine x

Might be too late for you but I took 2 paracetamol an hour before appointment which I think helped

Well she was able to do the sweep! Said cervix still a little far back and hard but could get one finger in which was good - sorry if tmi!! Wasn't as bad as i thought, uncomfortable but not painful...guess I wait and see now?!

That's great news, fingers crossed for you!

Thanks rach! Sadly nothing much this morning except think have lost some plug...Not getting hopes up, oh well!

Oh we'll that's a start! Are you having baby at uclh may I ask?

Yes I am (islington a clue I guess) - heard good things so hoping will be ok there! You had experience of UCH Rach?

No I lie in angel and currently pregnant with dc2, gave birth at st Thomas last time so am just going there again but starting to worry its a bit far and maybe should have gone to uclh! Have you had your midwife appointments there?

No only my booking in appt and scan. My midwife appts have been at my local childrens centre (so handy, literally round the corner) - the UCH community midwives do an afternoon antenatal clinic once a week there. I think the Whittington also do, as another option? Heard St Thomas supposed to be good - but have been quite impressed with UCH so far - if I ever get to see the labour ward In the next week or so Ill let you know what thats like too! My NCT group have all had their babies there (I'm the last one left pretty much!) and have had nothing but praise for the staff in labour & delivery.

I was very happy with my experience at st Thomas but just worried about the journey once I'm in labour! Haha yes that would be great hope its good for you. I've heard good things about uclh too.