Experience of sweeps

[oliviat93]

I'm 39 & 2 and having my first sweep tomorrow actually looking forward to seeing if it does anything and trying not to focus on how uncomfortable/painful it will be as I know people have different experiences with them.

What's people's experiences like? Would you have one again? If it's gonna be awful I would rather know in advance!

Honestly it wasn't pleasant but it did the job, had the baby the next day. Take a couple of paracetamol before! Better than being induced

I won't be having one this time, no.

I've had many, the only one that worked hurt but it's very quick. I had red/pinkish brown discharge after all of them. I'd have one again definitely. The midwife told us to go home and have sex after mine and contractions came, still needed my waters broken later on but its the only way besides proper induction that I've gone into labour. Good luck x

I had 3 and none worked for me. It was uncomfortable for sure but it was worth a try. I probably would do it again.

Hi I had one today around 2.30pm and I’m 39+4. It was painful but bearable. I had mild cramps afterwards which have now stopped and a slight yellow/brown discharge but nothing since just a lot of baby movements. The midwife felt the baby first by feeling my tummy and said his head isn’t engaged as she could still move it then during the sweep she said she felt his head and said she gave it a good sweep 3 times. She also said I’m 1.5cm dilated. Can anyone tell me wether these are signs I’m close to labour please?

Second sweet got my first born out at 39 weeks, second sweep got my second born out at 41 weeks. I asked her to be thorough the second time in each, as in twice as long and really rummage around. Didn't hurt just uncomfy. They really have to do it well, but also they can tell you how thimgs are diwn there which will indicate if it's likely to work e.g. 're cervix if they can get there. First helped speed things a long for sure but as I said, I really did make them try hard in the sec9nd go.....needs must!

Gednoon is said if head isn't engaged you may have to wait a little longer. A lot can change in a week thougj....lots of walks!

I didn’t find it problematic at all!

@gednoon I've always had mild cramps and discharge after every sweep but the only one that worked did so within 5 hours. Was the start of a very long first labour but the cramps turned to proper contractions in that short space of time. X

Maybe I was lucky but mine was just a bit uncomfortable. Having said that I was 41+3 so maybe things were almost ready anyway. I started having contractions on the bus on the way home, was back in hospital 3 hrs later. Baby born 45 minutes after that. So mine was a positive experience!

Had my sweep yesterday it wasn't painful a bit uncomfortable but not too bad. My cervix was closed though so not the success I would like. I have the option of having another one next week so hopefully things will have moved on by then!

I had 3 last time. The first one was the most painful but even so was manageable. I had a bloody show after that one but none of them did anything towards getting me into labour. I did find they made me feel a bit "wobbly" afterwards so while I will have it done again if needed this time, I'll make sure I've got DH to drive me home after.

I’d never have one again. I think they are barbaric and unnecessary

I had 2.

They were both fine. I just had to really focus in my breathing. Nurses were v competent and gentle.

1st one kicked off mild labour. Got to 2 cm with that.

2nd one kicked it right off. Active labour. Had baby in 6 hours.

Super.