sweep advice and induction

[Hollpenguin10]

Hello everyone,

Just wondering how effective everybody has found a sweep to be? I’ve got one tomorrow and I’m really hoping it works as I have an induction booked in but I’m really wanting baby to come himself as I’m really nervous to be induced. How have you found induction ?

Thanks

Hollie

[LB1234]

I had 2 (maybe 3) sweeps with my first -- didnt make a difference and I ended up being induced. But i'm glad I had them as its worth a shot, feels a bit strange but nothing major. The midwife will only able to do it if your cervix is soft enough.

Regarding induction, you don't have to have one at all. I wish i'd known that first time round as I felt it was pushed on me because it was the policy. With my second, I felt a lot more confident to express my preferences and made it clear with the midwife that I'd only accept an induction if the baby or I were in danger -- and not just because i'd reached an arbitrary date.

The induction I had with ny first was fine, but in hindsight I felt it was needless in my situation and i'd have preferred to wait it out for a bit longer.

Everyone is different but dont be afraid to express your views and challenge things if they are put to you based on guidelines and policy.

Hope it all goes well, an exciting time regardless of what you decide!

[Hollpenguin10 in reply to LB1234]

hi, thanks for your reply!

I’ve had my sweep today and it wasn’t bad at all glad I’ve had it done to try help! Unfortunately due to baby measuring big I need to be induced I also have low pappa so they said it’s best medically for me and baby if I get induced so he doesn’t get any bigger so I decided to go with the induction. Fingers crossed things go well from this sweep and baby makes an appearance himself! Xx

[Gracem90]

I had one sweep and less than 24 hours later my baby was born! Afterwards I remember having some pains and it just gradually got worse throughout the day.

Hope everything goes ok for you and you get to meet your baby soon!

[Hollpenguin10 in reply to Gracem90]

thanks for your reply! Ahh that’s such positive feedback. I’m hoping it starts something off, if you don’t mind me asking how many cm dialated were you when the sweep was done ? I’ve had mine done and I’m 1.5cm she said which is good for 38 weeks apparently!

Thanks so much

[Gracem90 in reply to Hollpenguin10]

Thats a very good question! I want to say I was 1cm but I had it done at 40+6. Fingers crossed for you!

[Emdog87]

With my 1st baby I had 2 sweeps, I went into labour the morning after the 2nd sweep. Although I did so much walking the same day as the 2nd sweep so I don’t know if that helped.

With my 2nd baby, I had 1 sweep and it didn’t work, again I did a lot of walking and baby didn’t want to budge. I went in for induction but luckily I was already 4cm dilated so all they had to do was break my waters and 4 hours later baby was born.

Not sure how effective the sweeps actually are. All the advice I had was keep active and let gravity help. The more pressure baby puts on your cervix the better. One thing I never tried but I heard are great for helping bring on labour is a birthing ball.

Good luck. X