Sweep Experiences ?

[Linzie2012]

So I've always been against interventions, or sweep, induction etc - Not really a huge debate over it, just feel we should let it happen the way its suppose too.

But ...

I've been offered a Sweep on Wednesday 11th at home, 4 days over my Due Date. Then another is offered at 8 days.

Can you help clear my mind with a Sweep?

Are there any risks involved?
Is it painful?
Will I bleed lots afterwards?
Do I expect Labour to come quickly or can it not help at all on some occasions?
Did you have a sweep at home? If so how do they do it? Do I take them upto my bedroom? ( Weird I know), On the sofa.
Shall I put on a long top to cover myself? (Dont fancy standing bottomless )

Sorry for all the questions... I just get so worried not knowing the answers.

 

[loopylou83]

I had two sweeps ( bit that they worked- ended up being induced) but to answer your questions! As far as I know there is no risk involved- I certainly didn't get told bout any anyway, my first one was a little painful but that was because my cervix was really high up still and I told her to perserverence, the second one wasn't painful at all! I didn't bleed at all after mine but I think some people can have spotting, mine didn't work but I know lots of people who they worked for! I had both mine at the children's centre( where I had all my appointments) so just used the bed that you lay on to hear hb! I didn't wear anything to cover myself but my dignity had already gone out the window by that point and I figured I needed to get used to it ready for labour lol! If having it at home I guess it would take place on the bed as I've had my post labour stitches checked twice at home and I laid on bed both times! Hope that helps a bit xx

 

[Iwant3]

never had a sweep at home, but after birth have been examined by mw at home and they just put a plastic disposable mat on my bed and I just lowered my trousers enough etc. imagine it would be similar in that respect!

I don't think you would bleed much after unless you was already dialating and it brought on your show.....you may get some spotting and could just gets come AF type cramping which could lead to contractions.

good luck if you decide to have it done.

 

[Linzie2012]

Thank you Ladies,

How long does it take roughly ? Few seconds, minutes...

Not sure why I'm so worried, just am !

 

[loopylou83]

About a minute or two xx

 

[BunnyN]

I did research when i was offered a sweep. Some say there are no risks, some say there may be a small risk. It is possible that your waters could be broken accidently. It is also possible that it could increase the risk of infection by pushing bacteria from your vagina further up. Sweeps might not be recomended if you are strep b positive for example. There was a study done that involved using sweeps during inductions. The group given sweeps had a higher incident of meconium in their waters so it's not impossible that the hormones released by a membrane sweep put some stress on the baby. A more common side effect is that they can cause cramping that can make you uncomfortable and more likely to loose sleep in your last days before labour starts. Of course lots of women get sweeps without a problem. Don't let my list scare you too much, risks really are minimal.

If you are not 100% with the idea there really is no harm in refusing, just say you'd rather wait a few days to see if labour comes naturally. I decided to decline a sweep until I was over 41 weeks because if it works it usually work fairly quickly but it wont do anything if your body is not ready for it. Probably they are most likely to work if you were about to go into labour anyway so only speed things up for a day or two in most cases. There is some evidence that several sweeps close together are the most effective so I planned to do that if I decided it was needed. I wouuld have been happy to have tried that before other methods of induction. As it was LO was born 10 days late, on the day I'd booked a sweep before I got the chance to have it.

I think I would wear a skirt, then I wouldn't have to take it off . A long top could work too.

 

[claire671]

Hello! I had 3 sweeps. 2 in a 12 hour period and then a 3rd two days later.

Are there any risks involved?
As far as I can remember, nothing that has stuck in my mind.

Is it painful?
I didn't find any of the sweeps or internal exams painful. If you practice deep breathing and relax then it is maybe slightly uncomfortable. Not too different to a smear.

Will I bleed lots afterwards?
1st and 2nd sweep I didn't bleed at all. My 3rd sweep worked and that started my bloody show which I was actually delighted about!

Do I expect Labour to come quickly or can it not help at all on some occasions?
1st and 2nd sweep did nothing and I was in early labour at the time (1-2cm dilated) when it came to my 3rd sweep my cervix was more favourable so that helped hugely. Bloody show began and continued until my waters went. Sweep Monday afternoon, waters went Wednesday 3am.

Did you have a sweep at home? If so how do they do it? Do I take them upto my bedroom? ( Weird I know), On the sofa.
I had 2 sweep in the hospital and the 3rd in the GP office so sorry I can't advise. As there isn't really any 'mess' I would imagine a sofa or floor would be ideal.

Shall I put on a long top to cover myself? (Dont fancy standing bottomless )[/B]
You'll be lying down and they'll hike up whatever you're wearing anyway. The whole feet together brought up to your bum and let them flop to the side routine is used.


Try not to be nervous. In the grand scheme of it all a sweep is a walk in the park compared to giving birth, plus they will only go ahead with it if your cervix is in the right place.

Take care! x

 

[mummywanabe]

I didnt fint it very painful but uncomfortable, I bled a little only for a day and much lighter than a oeriod, got a little crampy after, my son was born less tvan 48 hours later, they put a sheet over you so nothing will be seen by anyone by dr,

 

[kat1988]

I had a sweep at a consultant appointment but yes u can have them at home as well, u can use te sofa or bed whatever u feel more comfortable with. It's a little uncomfortable but not painful, kind of like having a smear test if you've ever had one? You will probably bleed afterwards, that's normal, it's not heavy kind of like a very light period that only lasts a couple of days max. A sweep may help things along but it won't make the baby come unless the little angel is ready, I still had to be induced as my sweep didnt work, normally they offer u 2 or even 3 sweeps before discussing other others like induction tho. all my maternity tops were long so to cover the massive bump and that was fine to wear when havin it done