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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Anyone had a sweep that worked?

43 replies

LayingLow · 26/05/2021 12:15

Iv got my first sweep tomorrow at 40+5, this is my 4th baby and iv never had a sweep before? Do they work? Are they worth having?

OP posts:
Flittingaboutagain · 26/05/2021 19:44

My midwife told me a sweep increases the chances of needing intervention which decreases the chances I'll get to have the home birth I want. Instead of a sweep my midwife said if needed she'll go through different exercises with me to try natural methods to get baby ready but that lots of reports of sweeps "working" could be coincidence due to being at term anyway. Good luck.

Jinglebells87 · 26/05/2021 19:49

I had one, didn't find it bad at all. Came away feeling disappointed because cervix was unfavourable but went into labour less than 24 hours later.

Will definitely have one again this time if offered Smile. Best of luck OP!

Original poster
LayingLow · 27/05/2021 06:37

Due to what @Flittingaboutagain said..... did anyone who had a sweep and it worked need intervention at birth??

OP posts:
Nobranothanks · 27/05/2021 06:42

I had one at 40+6 she was adamant it wouldn't work and that there were no signs I was near labour. She booked my next sweep there and then. My daughter was born under 24h later 😂

Original poster
LayingLow · 27/05/2021 07:27

@Nobranothanks that's really positive thankyou ☺ I'm 40+5 today.. 2 of mine came naturally at 40+6 and my last one came naturally at 40+3.. but feel like this one isn't gonna budge x

OP posts:
Nobranothanks · 27/05/2021 08:15

@LayingLow she was my first but was showing no signs whatsoever of planning on moving. My cervix wasn't even in the right place lol. I also found it OK and not painful - just felt like a smear

Thunder212 · 27/05/2021 08:20

Had my sweep on the Monday morning and started contracting 1am Tuesday morning, mine definitely worked. I found my sweep completely fine no pain or uncomfortable! Hopefully it’s the same for you! Good luck 😌

SecondhandTable · 27/05/2021 08:48

@LayingLow

Due to what *@Flittingaboutagain* said..... did anyone who had a sweep and it worked need intervention at birth??
Yes I did. But I was already in labour before I had the sweep and I can't see how the sweep could be related to the fact that I pushed for over two hours and baby still didn't appear. I can imagine there is some correlation between the two just because if you're post-dates you're statistically more likely to have intervention and likewise if you're induced you're also more likely. And almost everyone who has a sweep will be post dates and/or being induced won't they?
Flittingaboutagain · 27/05/2021 13:24

I've tried and failed to find the data online MW referred to but if anyone's interested I can update when I do. Hope all is well.

Antiqueanniesmagiclanternshow · 27/05/2021 13:28

I had one at 12 noon, went immediately into labour and baby was born at 6pm

Original poster
LayingLow · 27/05/2021 15:28

Iv just had my sweep she said I was 1 and a half cm dilated and could feel babys head so gave it a good wipe around so fingers crossed! If not she's coming to do another one Sunday and booked my induction for Wednesday but hope it dont come to that 😔

OP posts:
Luckyelephant1 · 27/05/2021 22:08

How painful are sweeps compared to smears? I always find smears pretty painful as I'm never able to relax, I can imagine sweeps being worse...

MeadowHay · 27/05/2021 22:24

@Luckyelephant1

How painful are sweeps compared to smears? I always find smears pretty painful as I'm never able to relax, I can imagine sweeps being worse...
I've only ever had one smear, and I once had a similar procedure where they had to take a sample - didn't find either painful at all, just slightly uncomfortable and both were quick. Found my sweep very painful and longer lasting, was squeezing DH's hand and made a noise and got tears in my eyes. BUT some other PP above said they didn't find theirs painful at all so it must very person to person perhaps even labour to labour? I was already in labour when I had mine so perhaps that made it worse? No idea.
chesterelly · 27/05/2021 23:10

Yep, with my 3rd DC I was 1week overdue. The midwife that did it said "this is a good one go home and have a hot bath, hot curry and hot sex and you'll have a baby by morning". I had my first contraction whilst on phone ordering my takeaway.

BeastfromtheNorthEast · 27/05/2021 23:20

I'm putting money on the fact it worked & you've had a baby by now - congrats!

Original poster
LayingLow · 28/05/2021 07:16

No baby for me 😪😪 hoping the sweep on Sunday works!!

OP posts:
THATbasicSNOWFLAKE · 28/05/2021 10:41

@Luckyelephant1 really depends on how ready or not your body is i think, i had one which was pain free just a bit uncomfortable, i had another (different pregnancy) which was SO fucking painful i nearly cried and had to ask her to stop part way through. But they both worked

FTEngineerM · 28/05/2021 10:51

Fingers crossed @LayingLow I remember the feeling well, you’ll have your baby in your arms soon!

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