Positive sweep stories

[LisaLx]

Just had a sweep today. I'm already 3cm dilated. Anyone else the same? Or does anyone else have any stories to tell me? How long did it take? Did it actually work?

There is no evidence it actually work. In most countries they don’t happen. Is this your first labour? If yes it sounds like your very close, you’ve gone from 0cm to 3cm, 4 cm is considered active labour. I predict your baby will be here within 48 hours or certainly by Friday. If you want to speed it up spend all evening bouncing on a birth ball.

Are you having contractions yet?

This is my 3rd baby but I've never had a sweep before. No contractions just really uncomfortable now which I suppose is to be expected. I will defiantly be trying the ball

Dc4 baby born within 24 hours
Dc5 baby born within 48 hours

Dc6 - sweep tomorrow ....

Had a cervical stitch removed at 36+4 was 2 cm dilated then had a sweep at 39 at 1pm was 3cm had him 39+1 at 7.11pm. No signs just waters went at 4.45 pm then contractions started thick and fast

3 very overdue babies. Sweeps don't work. Sorry..... I had such painful sweeps always hoping they would work

I am the Queen of sweeps 😂 varied success!

Dc1 no success and incuced at 42wks.
Dc2 sweeps at 41wks and 41+2, went into labour shortly after second sweep and baby born next day.
Dc3 sweeps at 40, 41, baby born at 42 induced.
Dc4 sweep at 39+4 ish 2cm dilated. Induced at 40wks due to size. Sweep did nothing.

Dc5 (4 days old) sweeps at 39+4, 40+3 and 40+6. Sweeps started around 2cm and were 3-4 by 40+6. I was induced on Saturday at 41, I was having contractions whilst waiting on induction ward, so I think the final sweep at 40+6 might have worked given a bit more time.

@BurningBenches congrats on dc5!

Sweep about 3 hours ago! 1-2 cm dilated, 2cm long and soft 🤞

Ooh fingers crossed @THATbasicSNOWFLAKE, I didnt need the balloon in the end and labour was 2hrs total. Thankfully we were discharged straight away so home that night too.

2 hours! Ill take that! Did they just break your waters?

Third baby, second sweep did it for me. I was also 3cm, went into labour that evening.

@THATbasicSNOWFLAKE yes. They broke them and I was then sat on monitor for 30mins. Once I stood up though my contractions were instantly 2mins apart.

I had gas and air, baby came out with her hand on her head like superman, amazingly no stitches!

DC2 they broke the waters and it was my easiest labour. DC3 they broke the waters but I was already well into labour and it was horrible!

The best advice I can give is say no to sweeps and to drug induction. Get as close as you can to the 42 weeks and if still nothing is happening, either balloon or breaking waters. Just remember that after breaking waters they tend to put you on a 24hr deadline for a Csection. However I had a doctor tell me she refused induction (with pessary) and preferred Csection. If a OBGYN doctor says that!!!

How many cm were you for them to break your waters @BurningBenches?

this time 3-4 but with dc4 1-2.

Sweep at 40+3 with DD, 2cm dilated. I lost my plug the next day and started very mild labour pains that evening, then had her in the early hours of 40+6. It was possible she was just ready to come anyway - they did precisely zero with DS first time round!

Thank you for all your stories. I'm still here hanging on. I've had cramps all morning but don't seem to be coming to anything. I have another sweep again tomorrow. I'm defiantly hoping to avoid induction and let nature take its course

I did everything to avoid a c section I had books at 39 weeks. I had lots of reflexology, chilled and just keeping bouncing on the ball. Don’t just sit on it’s, move your hips in figure of 8 and bounce, preferably in a cosy not bright room. As you’ve had a baby before your cervix will have already been 1cm dilated but being 3 means things are definitely starting.

I had a sweep then went into labour within 24 hours both times, but then I was also very very pregnant (41+5 and 40+4 I think).

The day I went into labour with my son, I also painted a wall in the garden and made a massive pie, I think those kind of snuggly homemaking activities can help? Or at least take your mind off it.

Apparently the only thing actually confirmed to help with advancing labour is sex something to do with hormones in sperm or wtv

@grey12

Apparently the only thing actually confirmed to help with advancing labour is sex something to do with hormones in sperm or wtv

My midwife also told me this. I've tried and tried and tried and still nothing. It's apparently to do with something in semen is the same as what they use in the hormone drip.

I just can't bring myself to try that

Some period pain cramping here and there overnight

@LisaLx I tried sex and it sadly didn't do anything quickly. It did dislodge my plug and I guess it could have helped make my cervix favourable?

Fingers crossed @THATbasicSNOWFLAKE

In my experience they'll come when they're ready. Mine all came at 41+5, give or take. If you REALLY insist they'll kind of let you wait until 42 weeks.

But being overdue is not fun, a got a lot of pressure from doctors to induce, induuuce, INDUCE!!!!

I have the midwife later today, I'm hoping the second sweep will help

Good luck op!

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