What is a sweep like?

[Racoonworld]

I'm booked to have a sweep in a couple of weeks time, has had one before and can share what it is like and how long it takes to do?

I had three sweeps in the end (the last one worked!).

I found it uncomfortable (like a very rigorous smear test with some twinges) but not so bad that I felt unable to go back for subsequent sweeps. I don't remember it taking very long... maybe a minute or two.

I found it quite triggering. I'm not sure why. It was done by a male consultant in a room with a junior doctor and my DH. I wanted a sweep and fully consented to it. I wasn't in labour but was a week overdue.

I felt very tearful and upset afterwards. Hormones probably?

Sweeps in labour with DS2 carried out by female MWs didn't elicit the same reaction.

Be prepared with sanitary towels afterwards. I bled quite a bit.

Mine worked! It was uncomfortable rather then painful but it was worth it because I went into labour a few hours later!

They are a bit uncomfortable, with my second my waters went (gave birth 4 hours later!) And I stupidly didn't take any maternity pads with me so I would advise to take some! With my first daughter I had a sweep, I had her later that night

Last Wednesday night I lost sleep dreading my sweep the next morning. I needn’t have worried. I tried to really relax and it was nowhere near as uncomfortable as I’d made it out to be in my head. My midwife was excellent when I told her I was nervous and she said that it can be more uncomfortable if the cervix is closed but she could always stop at any time if it felt too much. For me, I found a smear more uncomfortable as there are instruments involved. The only painful bit was the period pain type tightening. Sadly, it hasn’t worked for me yet but I have no fear about having another on Thursday.

Take some deep breaths and relax your jaw as that will help relax down there!

Uncomfortable but ok. I had three and they didn't work!

I had 4. Varied a bit depending on midwife. All were quite uncomfortable, but not so bad that I needed her to stop. Had some cramping afterwards and my bloody show, but baby was stubborn!!

I had three, two prior to labour and one in labour (was only 1cm dilated)

My first sweep was quite uncomfortable, she gave it a real good go.
The 2nd and 3rd were fine.
The actual 'sweeping' in the cervix is probably 30 seconds max. They prod around for abit to feel effacement etc but that doesnt hurt at all. It literally probably lasts about 1 minute, 2 max.

My 2nd sweep put me in labour 12 hours after

I had 3 in total, all done. I didn’t bleed after any of them and I found it uncomfortable but not painful.
x