Advice on sweep

[Starlight_ftm]

Hey

Due to past sexual trauma I’m really struggling, although will do for baby, the idea of professionals inserting fingers for procedures.

Even idea of stretch and sweep makes me want to freak out but I sit there frozen.

Anyone got any advice or support I’d really appreciate it

[bluebug]

You don't have to have one, just refuse. Even more so if it is likely to trigger trauma.

I hope you have informed your midwives that you have had suffered passed sexual abuse. If you haven't please do so asap as your mental health is extremely important.

Sweeps only apparently work in 24% of cases and lots of countries don't do them anymore because of their low success in starting labour

[Starlight_ftm in reply to bluebug]

Thank you bluebug, even if I don’t have sweep, they’ll be sticking fingers seeing how far I’m dilated etc so just nervous about it all.

Yes I’m with the Perinatal mental health team and have a specialist midwife. I have a big bright orange careplan saying about my history but I know if it’s about the baby’s health, that comes first. Abit daunting. I’m due on 12th June so see what happens

[Cpr2018 in reply to Starlight_ftm]

Hi there Starlight_ftm,

I can totally sympathise with this and your concerns are absolutely valid and understandable. As a survivor myself, having any uncomfortable procedure done down there brings me back to a place I never want to be at. Before and during pregnancy I had to have freezing treatments for genital HPV and the pain of that always triggered flashbacks for me. However all I can say is talking about this to my support networks including my partner and mum, was a massive help to me. I think everyone thought I was ashamed of the HPV or scared of the treatment in terms of the physical pain but in fact it was neither, it was what that discomfort/pain triggered for me psychologically.

However, I can honestly say that despite the violent sexual trauma I have endured, physical examinations in pre-labour and during labour plus sweeps didn’t trigger me at all. I think a lot of the time especially once you’re in active labour your body takes over anyway and all you focus on mentally is wanting your baby to be safely delivered. Hopefully you’ll have the same positive experience! In fact, I feel like labour has healed me in terms of triggers slightly - it’s allowed me to reclaim my body and down there even more because now I know what an amazing thing it can do, it pushed a whole human out!

Try to visualise the experience before hand to prepare yourself and remember the midwives and hospital professionals are trying to help you and baby, no one is trying to hurt or abuse you. That all being said, if you did feel triggered during labour and examinations etc, there’s nothing wrong with that and it’s perfectly normal. Response to sexual trauma is as personal and individual as labour is. Good luck and be kind to yourself always, feel free to message me privately for a chat lovely xx

[Starlight_ftm in reply to Cpr2018]

Aw so kind, thanks for sharing your experience and advice! Even when midwife measures bump and puts hand on pubic bone, I freeze. I do see a psychologist; have last apt on Wednesday before a break for baby so think I will use the session to really focus on this.

I like the idea of reclaiming body too!

Once again thank you for your comment and offer for messages, I appreciate it

[Cpr2018 in reply to Starlight_ftm]

You’re very welcome. Sending you virtual hugs and hand holds for future midwife appointments and examinations!!! Just remember you deserve to enjoy your pregnancy and your body is doing wonderful things, much more powerful things than any monster has ever done to you. I know it’s hard, but you’ll never ever get this time back. Try to picture that beautiful baby and the love you will share whenever they’re touching you. Lots of love x

[Cpr2018 in reply to Starlight_ftm]

Also just had a glance at your profile; apologies I didn’t realise you had a diagnosis of PTSD - I now appreciate what I’ve said is a A HELL OF A LOT easier said than done xx

[bluebug in reply to Starlight_ftm]

Just occurred to me - did you speak to anyone about having a planned c-section instead?

If you haven't you need to bring it up asap. Contact your maternity mental health team on Monday morning as women with mental health problems often elect to have one rather than a vaginal birth.

NICE guidelines make it clear that it is actually your right to have one if you want it if after mental health intervention you still cannot go through with a vaginal birth. If they refuse you can push it all the way to court - as this costs money they are very likely to just give you one.

In regards to the risks of surgery over vaginal birth - at the moment the true extent of birth injuries from vaginal delivery is not known while the risks of c-section are. For example it is not recorded how many women seek help from GPs or physiotherapists privately in regards to this. There are organisations who are currently campaigning for more research and information on birth injuries from vaginal delivery.