To sweep or not to sweep
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I’ve been having these pains on and off for about a week, they start up every evening around 7pm but stay consistent in pain for the evening and by the time I wake up in the morning they’ve stopped. It’s been so frustrating! I had my sweep today at 3pm, it really wasn’t painful 🤷🏻♀️ I’m 2cm, cervix soft but needs to shorten a little. The cramps have been consistent since then and seem to be getting stronger. Haven’t bled or anything. If I was you I’d do it! Hopefully it will push you over that edge !
Be aware that a sweep is a form of induction and carries its own risks. Research what you can before your appointment , but it sounds like about might be ready to start anyway! X
Research shows sweeps only really work if your body is about to go into labour anyway, and it sounds like you might be there, in which case a sweep is pointless!
My midwife said a sweep only works for about 3% of people and will work if your body is ready to deliver, so in my opinion might as well wait till body is ready. I’m 39 weeks today, might be saying something different by my 40 week appointment though 😆
I had a sweep last week and went into labour within 2 hours. It was absolutely fine, a bit unpleasant but over quickly. In my opinion, it was well worth it to get things moving
@Sasha did you have any preceding symptoms indicating labour? Or just any symptoms prior to the sweep?
@saffron hope you’re doing well 🤞🏽
@saffron This is the same for me. Contractions start during the night. Get no sleep then by morning completely stopped. Will get sweep one week today. I'd do anything for some releif now.
@Beena still no labour 🥲 I have however had lots of nausea and an upset stomach, and weirdly I slept through the night for the first time in about a month or two. I feel something is brewing ! 🤞🏼
@Jenna feel ur pain 🥲 I have PGP too and I’ve begged my midwife for induction. Hopefully today I should get my date booked in incase this sweep doesn’t work. Hope your baby is with you soon x
@saffron ohhh fingers crossed for you as well. I’ve been saying the exact same to my husband-something is definitely brewing. So much so that we did a quick run through of hospital bag and made sure it’s all ready. Also I think that was me trying to regain some control 🤣
@Beena hahaa I’ve done the same thing a few times now 🤣
Just an update! Sweep was unsuccessful. Cervix is posterior and closed shut 🫠 so no stretch and sweep but midwife try to bring the cervix down. Back to the waiting game!
I haven't (yet) but my friend was the same and she declined it, decided to review again at 41 weeks but she didn't get to that point and went into labour naturally - she was happy with her choice!