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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Sweep - should I speak up?

17 replies

confusedandcurious · 02/07/2021 07:21

I have my 3rd attempt at a sweep today as I wasn't favourable the past 2 times and I'm dreading it...
First attempt (40+1) was uncomfortable but could breathe through. It lasted a while as she was really trying to reach but she went in slow telling me to breathe and was giving me encouragement. Second attempt (40+4) it was a different MW and after I said I was ready she went in so fast I felt like I'd been stabbed. DJ was with me and even he was shocked. She kept saying to relax but I couldn't stop tensing because she was moving a lot really quickly. It shocked me and then I couldn't get to my happy place! I was squirming so much. I felt like I needed to say 'can you slow down for a second so I can catch my breath' but didn't want to tell her how to do her job and was embarassed. But it has really put me off. She was lovely but I felt my insides had been mangled- I wince just thinking about it.

41 weeks today and trying to avoid inducement so want this to work- if needs be is it unreasonable to say something if I'm that uncomfortable again? Don't want to come across as pushy as I'm very grateful for them and I know they're experienced but this is my first baby and when you're not used to it, it can be quite a shock/ uncomfortable.

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shivawn · 02/07/2021 07:31

Absolutely you can ask them to slow down or tell them if it hurts and they should respect that.

I'd start by saying right away that it was quite painful for you last time and would they mind going as slow and gentle as possible please.

romdowa · 02/07/2021 07:33

They gave my friend gas and Air for her 3rd sweep as she was bawling after her first two it was so painful. Could you ask for that maybe and it might help relax you

Baboutheocelot · 02/07/2021 07:34

You don’t have to have one at all. You’re 41 weeks so what’s to say you won’t go in to labour tomorrow anyway?

nettytree · 02/07/2021 07:34

I had gas and air when I became stressed at my 3rd time. Just ask.

IncyWincy21 · 02/07/2021 07:38

100% tell them

Original poster

confusedandcurious · 02/07/2021 07:42

Thanks for the responses, that's a big relief. I thought everyone would think I was being too dramatic.

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Original poster

confusedandcurious · 02/07/2021 07:44

@romdowa @nettytree Gas and air would be amazing, definitely worth a shot asking! Thanks for the tip 😆

OP posts:

SunnySideUp2020 · 02/07/2021 07:49

You absolutely have to speak up!
Please don't be embarrassed. And when you go into labor as well... when you are in pain or uncomfortable just let them know. You don't have to shout or be rude but gently saying that hurts or i need a minute is enough!

If you don't say it they won't know...

SunnySideUp2020 · 02/07/2021 07:50

And i agree if you are worried and dreading it you don't even have to have one...

PurpleMustang · 02/07/2021 07:54

I would ask before they start, ie sat down beforehand not when you are on the bed, and say 'can I ask how painful this one will be as this is the 3rd and the 1st one was slow and painless but the 2nd was quick and painful so I couldn'trelax.......and go on to explain what happened if needs be. And hopefully they will be full of reassance and also offer gas and air but if not make sure you ask or get DH to ask if you forget. Good luck

Morechocmorechoc · 02/07/2021 07:57

Tell them, BUT I woukdnt have it tiday. You can only have 3 sweeps. Wait a few more days as a sweep can really help at the right time. Postpone for at keast 4 or 5 days if you really don't want to be induced.

Anon992 · 02/07/2021 08:01

It’s worth adding that you don’t HAVE to be induced - you could refuse induction and wait for labour to start naturally. Clearly this is a personal decision you need to make based on medical advice as to risk, but induction isn’t compulsory - perhaps worth discussing your risks and options with the midwives?

Original poster

confusedandcurious · 02/07/2021 08:24

Good points @SunnySideUp2020 @PurpleMustang I'll definitely let them know first before starting. Thanks

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Original poster

confusedandcurious · 02/07/2021 08:31

I didn't know you could only have 3 @Morechocmorechoc I keep just accepting what's offered to me! I'll definitely think about that though.

They say I'm low risk @Anon992 it would be nice to avoid induction but I feel part of me thinks I won't be able to escape it. I know it's not got to do with relatives etc but both mum , nan and all aunties have had all babies induced. I can't help but wonder if it's something in our genes 🤔

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SpacePug · 02/07/2021 08:48

With my second baby in January I had a sweep at 40+10 (the earliest they could do around being closed for Christmas and New year 🙄) I didn't expect much from it, but my waters broke that evening!

With my first baby I had 2 failed sweeps and then was induced at 42 weeks.
I hate having a sweep but for me it was worth a try to avoid induction. Tell her at the start your really anxious and it hurt a lot last time. Hopefully you'll have a lovely midwife who will be more gentle. Good luck 🤞

Girlmama3 · 02/07/2021 08:53

I had 3 sweeps with dd3 and they did nothing. I had the drip at 42+1 and it was really quick. I don’t know anyone who went into labour after a sweep! I won’t be bothering this time if in go over due.

If you don’t want the sweep, don’t have it. Rest, relax and enjoy your last few days of pre baby quiet 😀

Maggiesfarm · 02/07/2021 08:55

@shivawn

Absolutely you can ask them to slow down or tell them if it hurts and they should respect that.

I'd start by saying right away that it was quite painful for you last time and would they mind going as slow and gentle as possible please.

That. You can ask for gas and air to help you with the discomfort/pain.

I've never had a sweep, mine were both a few days early, but I've heard others say they did not like the sweep. It's better than being induced though.

Good luck.

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