Does a sweep work and would you recommend....

[manchester2014]

Hi ladies,

I am 40 + 1 and will be offered a sweep on Monday.

What are ur experiences of a sweep and would you recommend

TIA x

IME, sweeps can be painful and violating and there is no evidence that they work.

Bloody uncomfortable at the time (but then I don't cope well with smears either). Tbh, don't know about the evidence. I understand the principles behind the idea. I decided that if it worked, great, if not, no harm done and at least i tried to get things going so hopefully will need less intervention (of a more unpleasant nature) later.

With my 3rd DC I had a sweep at 40+1 which basically did nothing and I'm not sure the midwife really bothered had another at 41+1 but was already 4cm dilated when she done it, I had baby 16 hours later, but to be fair I would prob of had the baby anyway no way of telling if it actually worked!

This pregnancy I will be having sweep again if I go over as I will try anything to avoid being induced

Had one at 41w with ds1, very uncomfortable but bearable, waters broke about 6 hours later. Would have another one.

Had one at 41+2 to try to avoid induction, hurt a lot didn't work but then even induction was a long process so I obviously had a very comfortable and stubborn baby. In my birth there's a definite no to that again though.

Had four! I went ten days over though so I was desperate. I found mine uncomfortable but not unbearable- its painless , but obviously a bit weird. Personally I did not find it violating, it was done on my request and the midwives were all wry soothing.

Saying that, none worked and I was induced!

I had one at 40+2 with DS1. It didn't hurt at all and labour started the same day.

I had one at 41 weeks. It wasn't too uncomfortable. It didn't do anything (maybe it wasn't a good enough sweep).

I turned down one at 40+3 when I had no signs whatsoever and went into labour that night.

I think there's a place for them when you're coming up to 42 weeks, when they might help you avoid an induction, and kick labour off if it's nearly ready. Before then I'd just see what happens.

I had one at 35&5 - cervix was 5cm but after 24 hrs no contractions so consultant offered sweep. Found in uncomfortable but only like a smear and I was desperate for baby to be out! Contractions started 30 minute later and DD born 6 hours after that :-D

Was quick for me but don't to ow if that was because I was so dilated already.