Having a sweep - what to expect

[LuckyFlash]

I’m 39+5 and my MW has offered me a sweep if I want one. I’ve weighed the pros and cons and it seems like it can’t do much harm so I may as well try. The down sides seem pretty minimal.
I can feel baby pushing down hard on my pelvis (lots of nerve pain) and I lost my mucus plug at the weekend so I’m hoping that means my body is getting ready and there’s a chance it will work.
What should I expect in terms of what happens, how long it takes, how much it hurts etc?
My MW said it can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful similar to a smear although I have never even had discomfort from a smear let alone pain.
I’m just planning on taking public transport there by myself and taking a sanitary towel in case of any bleeding - presume I don’t need to expect anything more dramatic than that?

I personally didn't find them rummaging around in there more than a bit uncomfortable. Some do find it quite painful though.

I had one during the induction process with our 1st and tbh it didn't seem to make things progress fast, I was in 3 days with 2 pessaries and a sweep and only got to 5cm. Had to have the hormone drip and waters broken from then and took another 7hr 38mins.

I found mine to be emotionally upsetting as well as physically very uncomfortable. I cried after my sweep.

Any midwife who would describe it as similar to a smear has either never had one or is being untruthful.

I would always advise against any interference until/unless it is absolutely necessary. I can totally understand wanting to get things moving but our bodies know what they are doing =)

If everything is progressing normally, and you and the baby are fine, I see no point to having a sweep. It's just interfering with a natural process for no reason whatsoever. I wouldn't do it.

I suffer from very painful smears and a cervix that “hides”. For me, sweeps are painful (had 3) but not as bad as smears, mainly because they’re quicker. As you say, take a pad. I drove myself home without issues.

I had a sweep on my due date
It was a little uncomfortable , but baby was resting his head quite low so I was uncomfortable anyways
The MW got the head MW in as she wasn't too sure if she'd felt my cervix or not.
That's when it got painful as she was practically knuckle deep in me
They told me to tell them if it got too painful & they'd stop but I got through it

I had a show pretty much straight away so definitely take a sanitary pad

Then treat yourself to a Chinese & wait for baby to arrive
That's what I did

Good luck !!

I found my sweep to be extremely painful but I was already 3cm and had been having contractions for a whole day when I had mine, it was 1am and I was exhausted and already quite emotional. As soon as she stopped the pain stopped and I didn't bleed afterwards.

There aren't really any cons besides obvious pain (so much)

And it may not work, or you may need to go back after the first

I had my first on Tuesday and was expecting pain or cramps but i honestly didn't notice she did anything. It was uncomfortable because she has her hand up there or fingers... and was looking for the cervix which was "behind" but then as she actually performed the sweep i felt nothing. I was talking throughout. I was 1 to 2cm dilated and soft cervix she said.
And nothing happened after either. Going for another one tomorrow.

So honestly it really depends.