Membrane sweep.

[LER2023]

Hi all,

I saw mt midwife yesterday and she felt around for babys head to check his heartbeat and when she went down to my pelvis area which is where his head is, it caused some discomfort. So she asked me whether i wanted a sweep at 39 weeks. Which is great, i know this is offered now, but it was more since she saw me wince at the touch of his head in my pelvis, she straight away said right i think a sweep would be a good idea at 39 weeks.

Im scared now🤣 especially after she explained how it works!

Can people give me their experience with sweeps please?

Good or bad, i dont mind! Its scared me more because its so close and i dont fancy being in pain anymore🤣

I have PGP, so i feel the pain every day down below! Just wanted to know other peoples experience with a sweep and PGP possibly?

Thank you! X

I barely felt my sweep, slightly odd borderline uncomfortable as it when anyone has their hand up there but it was fine for me.
A nurse doing a smear once advised me to put my hands under the small of my back as it changes the angle and makes it easier /less uncomfortable. I've done this with every exam and smear since and found them ok

For me it wasn't much worse than a smear but then mine worked and my body was ready for labour so may have been easier as cervix was already low and starting to dilate. think it can hurt if not ready as the cervix can remain well hidden and high up and closed

I'm 39 weeks, had two sweeps this week (still no baby unfortunately!) first one was mildly uncomfortable but still not painful, 2nd one absolutely fine, probably because cervix is lower and I'm more dilated. It's nothing to worry about.

I had very good experience of sweep! For both of my children I went for a routine check at 40 weeks and they offered sweep which I took. I didn’t feel anything uncomfortable when they did the sweep. They were very effective to help me start my labor. Both of my children were born at 40+1.