Stretch and sweep tomorrow morning, advice please?

[TheBreastmilksOnMe]

Do I need to wear a pad just in case of bleeding/plug loss/ waters breaking?

They will only do the sweep if baby is engaged, is there anything I can do that will encourage baby to stay low as she's been in and out of my pelvis all week!

Any other tips or advice?

I had a sweep and bled quite a bit afterwards so I would wear a pad for that. It was a bit uncomfortable just to warn you so just relax.

I'm watching this with interest as I might have a sweep tomorrow if the baby is engaged. My friend gave me some good tips:

• bring a spare pair of knickers, trousers and a few pads with you / leave it in the car, incase you waters go while you're out.

• take two paracetamol after it's done.

• stay active.

• wear comfy trousers / tracksuit bottoms as the stomach pains can be really uncomfortable afterwards.

• Take a big deep breath and exhale when they're doing it.

At least you've been warned - I had one done without warning and I wasn't entirely sure what was going on at the time (21 years ago, breech baby). I had light bleeding and a pad was needed. It did the trick though, I was in labour within 24 hours

Yes to a pad, I bled immediately. I had mine at 41 weeks when I was 4cm dilated but I'm pretty sure you get bleeding anyway. It is uncomfortable so try and relax. I was really really really terrified about mine and it wasn't as bad as I imagined so don't worry too much. If you have someone to come with you do, dp held my hand and helped get me dressed as I was a bit shaky, he was a great help. Good luck, so very exciting!

Great advice thanks everyone, especially about bringing extra trousers and knickers! Im not nervous, I sometimes check my own cervix and it takes away a lot of the mystery as I know what she's going to do and where it's just the part immediately afterwards that concerns me but I'm feeling much more prepared now, thanks.

How do you check your own cervix?

It's easy really. You just wash your hands, trim your nails and insert the middle finger into your vagina have a feel around. I find it easiest to do when I'm lying down.

Your cervix changes position so sometimes it's easier to find then others but it should feel like the end of your nose with a little dimple in the middle which is the os. Depending on where you are in labour this should gradually soften and open. There's lots of info on the internet about how to do it/what to look out for but it doesn't necessarily mean a lot as it could be closed and high in the morning then by the evening it could be soft, low and open 1-2cms but it does take the mystery away and give you a sense of familiarity/control over your own body. Well it does for me anyway!