Sweep tomorrow, what does midwife do really?

[scandicmum85]

Been offered to do the sweep tomorrow when seeing midwife, im not sure what it means, and is it painful?? x

 

[LucyAnn]

hiya,

omg things could get moving copied and pasted this for you

Membrane sweeping is done by your midwife or doctor. While internally examining you, she will simply "sweep" a finger around your cervix (neck of your womb). The aim is to separate the membranes around your baby from your cervix. This releases hormones called prostaglandins, which may kick-start your labour.

A membrane sweep increases the likelihood that labour will start within 48 hours. It has a higher chance of working if your cervix is already softening and preparing for labour. It does not increase the risk of infection to either you or your baby.

A membrane sweep can be uncomfortable as the cervix is often difficult to reach before labour begins. Some women find the procedure painful so you may want to try out your breathing techniques to help you relax while it's being done. There may also be some slight "spotting" of blood and irregular contractions immediately afterwards.

My Mw i am seeing again on thurs and she said she can offer me one of these on my due date, she wont be about tho she is on hol so will be a random person lol i think im defo gonna go for one

xxxxx

 

[rachcraig]

I had one last week and getting another this morning. It was a bit like a smear, a wee bit uncomfortable but didn't take long. Hoping this one today gets things started as I really don't want to be induced on fri! Good luck for tomorrow Xx

 

[scandicmum85]

Thank you, im a very nervous person when it comes to being eximated etc haha, think i will freak out, was asked if i wanted gas and air when I had smear test at hospital.. But think this sounds better than being induced and im overdue now so cud just aswell go for it!x

 

[roxane 1985]

you dont feel a thing if u are relaxed, if you tense up it can be slightly uncomfortable she basically just rubs round you cervix for like 5 seconds with her finger.

easiest was to explain it is itbasically feels like and im so for the way imputting it i dont know how to put it in an appropriate way lol but it feels like when your parrtner may have his finger up there during foreplay

 

[Bunnykins]

It's over in about 5 seconds so its not too bad, best advice is relax as much as possible and breathe out slowly while she is doing it, its less uncomfortable then. It literally is very similar to a smear test but not as bad, I had a lot of period pain afterwards but no labour yet!

 

[DaisyPurple]

I wish I'd had PF 10 years ago before I had Josh, I didn't know.what a sweep was, and when.I had one at 40+3 wks it hurt like hell, if if have been.prepared maybe id have been.less tense, good luck hun x

 

[littlemiss83]

loooooool Roxanne

I was actually thinking that might be what its like loool

Thanks for posting the info lucyann - i've never had one.

Is it just done at your midwife unit or is it something you'd have to go to hospital for?

Also, how do they decide? I take it MW would be able to do it at any time (sounds very straight forward)