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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Do you HAVE to have a sweep?

36 replies

sepa · 19/01/2016 18:36

As I count down the weeks I am more aware (or paying more attention) to the birthing side of things. You hear/speak to most people who have had a baby and they have had sweeps (or so it seems). Do you have to have one done if MW suggests it?
I have never been too attracted to the thought of one and I think I actually felt a bit sick (a long time ago but still an adult) when I found out what one was. I know it's nothing in the great scheme of things but I have heard from people that they don't really work so I'm thinking what is the real point in having one? I am 8ish weeks away till due date so it's not actually been suggested yet...

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Sunshine511 · 21/01/2016 11:33

NotSpeaking - mines was agony too! Like I said up the thread! There must be reasons why they can be sore at times and painless at others. I laboured at home with only paracetamol and when I got to the hospital, they told me they'd be sending me home because I wasn't in 'proper labour' yet! Turns out I was 8cm and they were in disbelief that I had managed to walk in/talk to them the way I did. I handle pain really well so I know it's not a pain threshold thing! There must be numerous factors that affect whether it's painful or not! It's good to hear some people have had them where they've been virtually painless and I hope I'm lucky enough to have that experience if I ever need one in future!x

ifgrandmahadawilly · 21/01/2016 11:36

No, you don't have to have any medical procedure you don't want done.

BubbleandSqueeeek · 21/01/2016 11:40

Well that's kind of what we're all doing here NotSpeaking, sharing our own personal experiences....

No one is saying their version is fact, it's all opinion.

Runningupthathill82 · 21/01/2016 11:42

The pain of a sweep, IMO, is like the pain of childbirth - in that it's different for everyone and dependent on numerous factors.

One woman's experience is not the same as another's, but all are valid.

I'm not lying when I say my sweep was completely painless, though it did make me bleed. Likewise, those who say sweeps were agony don't necessarily have a "lower pain threshold", it's just that their sweeps were, for some reason (unfavourable cervix, rough midwife, whatever), much more painful.

In the same vein, I'm telling the truth when I say that labour was excruciating and the pain was so severe that I would've happily shot myself in the head. This doesn't mean I have a lower pain threshold than the women who found it only slightly uncomfortable

Runningupthathill82 · 21/01/2016 11:44

...posted too early!

Anyway, as this thread proves, everyone's experiences are different and all equally valid.

DulliDulli · 21/01/2016 11:49

I turned down a sweep at 41 weeks. When I was induced at 42 weeks I had a sweep when the midwife inserted the pessary. Definitely uncomfortable, baby born six hours later.

I turned it down as, as much as I really wanted to meet DS, the thought of a sweep just made me feel sick!

AgathaF · 21/01/2016 11:52

Sweeps are painful if your cervix is closedm since the aim is to insert a finger into the os of the cervix. Also painful if you are tense. If you are relaxed and your cervix has already softened and perhaps dilated a little in preparation for labour then they will usually be within the range of fine to mildly uncomfortable.

Don't worry about your community midwife doing it. S/he will have done loads, won't really be looking anyway since it's more done by touch, and will probably be one of the ones examining your perineum post delivery if you have sutures.

There is evidence to suggest that if your body is ready to labour, then a sweep can encourage things to move along. There is also a school of thought that says if your body is not ready for labouring yet, ie cervix hard and closed, then a sweep may encourage the cervix to soften, however, this is generally when sweeps are a painful experience.

You could compromise and ask the midwife to assess your cervix, then only perform a sweep if there is evidence of the cervix having dilated slightly.

Ex midwife.

mrsjskelton · 21/01/2016 13:57

Actually had a sweep done today - 40+2. MW did say she thought it might be a bit pointless but living in a rural area and just lounging around at home, I went for it anyway as I'm not sure how much longer I can drive for! It really wasn't a bad experience, a bit uncomfortable as you might imagine and you feel some pressure a bit like when baby bears down suddenly. Then I had some bleeding which is apparently normal. A couple of hours later and bleeding has stopped. Feeling a little different so I'll just wait and see!

mrsjskelton · 21/01/2016 13:58

Forgot to mention - MW said my cervix was 3/4 of the way there softness-wise and I am 1cm dilated so I think I was more ready than she thought!

bigbadbarry · 21/01/2016 14:00

I declined. I asked the midwife what were the chances of it working and she just said "well we find some ladies go into labour quite quickly after". Given that I was already 10 days overdue, that didn't seem much of a recommendation.

whatsoever · 22/01/2016 00:15

Absolutely no obligation to have one. I had one at a few days overdue with DS. I was already 1cm dilated and it hurt no more than a smear but took a bit longer. Gave me the tiniest 'show' but didn't move me along sadly (he was born 6 days later of his own accord).

Have a MW appointment on my due date this time and will have one then if I haven't had the baby yet.

Both pregnancies I've been enormous, uncomfortable and in pain so happily accept them but there had been no pressure on me to do so.

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