How does a sweep work?

[pigletpoo]

I'm was just curious as to whats involved, and if you already have to be in early labor to have one?

Obviousley I wont need one, as I'm having a section, but just wanted to understand what the others on here are going through....

Piglet xx

 

[leckershell]

Had mine this morning.

Basically, the midwife puts a finger up you down there... and feels around to see if you are already dilated or not - how open the cervix is if at all... and gets at it and pushes it out to the sides to try and encourage it to dilate more and therefore hopefully bring on labour.

Mine didn't really hurt as such it was just a bit uncomfortable really.

Hope that sort of explains it.

 

[xchellex]

I wondered about this too so thanks

Im not sure if I could relax for her to do that, is it just one finger she puts up? I couldnt relax when they tried doing an internal a few weeks ago! it hurt!

 

[leckershell]

Two I think, I wasn't really paying attention lol.

 

[Sammystar]

it sounds foul, but whilst pulling open the cervix a bit, they also detach the membranes from the uterine lining around the cervix, which is supposed to encourage labour.

it's a bit hit and miss though..........

 

[clairescunny55]

i had one when i was 41 weeks with millie, it was a couple of fingers, i was surprised to find out i was already 3cm dilated without knowin anything about it. the next day i went into full blown labour

 

[angiemum2b]

Hi,
I had one with my DS, it's just 2 fingers that sweep around the head of the baby to encourage it to come down-dilate.

It wasn't painful just uncomfy really but i had mine a tuesday which i was 7 days over due and i was holding him thursday morning.

if i go over on next pregnancy i will be requesting one for sure!!!

 

[kimmumof2]

hi can u ask for one or do they have to recommend one? also do you have to be in early labour (eg cervix already dilated) or do they do it and tell you iof you were anywhere near etc.

xxxxx

 

[Vickyleigh]

Piglet are you going to sweep yourself?

 

[leckershell]

Had mine because I was 9 days overdue, she asked if I wanted one and I said yes, so I didn't have to if I didn't want to.

 

[Vickyleigh]

Leckershell I never noticed how cute your signature is! Your baby looks so sweet! Awww that is soooo cute the baby is all smiley and happy

 

[Moomum]

I wonder if you can kind of do a "DIY" sweep then

 

[leckershell]

i looked it up online... you can't! you might get the wrong thing...

 

[Moomum]

i looked it up online... you can't! you might get the wrong thing...

Oh well - worth a thought !

 

[pigletpoo]

Vickyleigh Posted:

Piglet are you going to sweep yourself?

Haha, the thought had crossed my mind, but god only knows how I'd reach!!

Piglet xx

 

[Robyn_]

i think if i go over ill DEFF be having one,

starting next week, raspberry tea
hopefully it will work for me.