Advice on sweep

[mumm321]

What are sweeps really like?? Are they painful or what? Going in for a sweep soon and looking advice on what to expect x

I had one and it was uncomfortable more than painful. Not awful at all, I didn’t have any pain after but it was certainly no trip to the spa. I was told after mine that it had “failed” because my cervix wasn’t favourable - between that and it being uncomfortable and invasive I felt quite deflated and unhappy afterwards (took myself off shopping to cheer up!) buuut I did go into labour within 24 hours so despite the midwife’s pessimism it may well have done something!

I certainly found it more awkward than the examinations when I was actually in labour when strangely I found I couldn’t have cared less about hands up there! Thinking back the other thing I didn’t like about my sweep was a young female GP came into the room for it (no idea why) and stared directly at my face while the midwife was performing it - a bit creepy and probably made me feel more awkward!

Good luck!

@mumm321 I had one and didn't feel it my cervix was soft and I was 1cm dilated xx

I had one at 40 weeks- it was fine. Didn't find it uncomfortable at all, it was the same kind of deal as a smear for me.

It kicked off latent labour, and when I went in for a check up after 3 days I was 4 cm. The MW offered another sweep, and said she would try and stretch things a bit more- I was given some gas and air and it was much more uncomfortable, but to be honest at that stage I just didn't care!

I found it very painful, but it was over quickly and it kicked off labour!

There is no evidence that they work and if you are very anxious about it then it maybe counterproductive.

I had one that was alright and one that hurt. Neither worked. I think the level of discomfort will depend on many things - how ready your cervix is, experience of the midwife, your pain threshold..

I had one. I didn't find it painful or uncomfortable at all. Even the midwife said she was surprised how relaxed I was through it.

I had one and it didn't hurt at all, went into labour a few hours later. But I know other people found them painful.

They can only do them if your cervix is 'ripe', i.e. getting ready for labour anyway. So arguably if you just sat it out another day or two things would start naturally anyway.

Just a little uncomfortable - the more relaxed you are the better and it's over quickly. Good luck!

If you don't feel like you want one cancel it you don't have too. I turned my 40 week one down didn't feel like it but was well ready at 40+5 Did not hurt contractions started 24hrs later I'd say I was on my way any how.