I had a sweep at 40 weeks during a so-called 'routine' antenatal hospital visit.
The nurse introduced a consultant who told me he was 'just going to take a look at me'. Which was exactly what had happened in recent prior visits so I had no reason to think it was anything other than a check to see if I'd dilated at all and maybe a conversation following that regarding next steps
I thought it was rather odd that the nurse/chaperone put her arm around my shoulders once I was lying down ...
And then I experienced an excruciating, nauseating pain .... which I didn't understand, but - absolutely stupidly - didn't protest at either because I was a 25 year old 1st time mum with little self confidence and frankly, I was in utter shock. It felt as if it went on forever and was appalling. I remember writhing and crying and the nurse gripping my shoulder really tightly.
This consultant then announced 'right, that should get you going' and swept (no pun intended) out without any further ado.
Then I was physically sick ... perhaps from the pain but probably also from the assault.
I had NOT discussed any sort of induction regardless of being 40 weeks. I had NOT consented to having a sweep - the word itself had not been mentioned, the process had not been explained. It wasn't until I got home and looked at my pregnancy books (in the days before internet) that I even realised what had happened to me.
And of course I felt violated. Like a piece of meat. As if I had no say so in regards to my own body or perhaps Mr Oh So Fucking Important Consultant deemed I was too unintelligent to have a discussion about medical procedures. Obviously the nurse knew what he was going to do, hence the rather unusual embrace she'd placed me in. It just felt so horrific.
This was more than 35 years ago so I really hope women aren't treated like this now. Of course I considered raising a serious complaint afterwards but with a newborn it was one of those things which I kept putting off and I bitterly regret not taking it further and hauling his arrogant arse over the coals. Over the years I've pondered on many occasions whether it was worth complaining belatedly but given the time lapse I suspect the bastard has died in the meantime.
As it happened, this sweep had no effect whatsoever anyway. My son was eventually born a fortnight later at 42 weeks following a planned induction with oxytocin and, thankfully, the most wonderful midwife.
My experience however, of having a sweep without consent or any warning has had lasting effects. Even with kind female clinicians I still find smears, or internal ultrasound scans very difficult, and have had to have GA for a couple of 2ww hysteroscopies. FWIW, the team at Addenbrookes have been amazingly understanding in arranging this once I've explained my fears.
Apologies if this is too honest! I should imagine that with consent and a full understanding the pain of a sweep might be mitigated slightly though I see that some previous posters have unfortunately mentioned they found it a horrible experience.