Stretch & Sweep - What to expect?

[reneenay]

Hello Ladies

I am just chasing some information on a ‘stretch and sweep’

I had my Dr’s appointment this morning and he suggested that if bubs wasn’t here by next Thursday (40w & 4d) that he will do a ‘stretch & sweep’. But as usual I forgot to ask any questions so I’m here on BB (again) asking for your worldly wisdom ladies!
Is it painful during the ‘stretch & sweep’? Will it cause pain after? Does it actually bring on labour? And lastly what on earth do they do during a stretch and sweep haha!

Thanx again
Renee
XOXOXO

[Antheia]

It's where they pull away the mucus plug and stretch the cervix a bit. Mine was a bit painful. Had quite an irritable uterus after, lots of niggling pains. Had a bit of blood about an hour after aswell. I went into labour about 10hrs later.

[sushee]

I had an S&S with Charlie. I was 4cms dilated already with lots of consistent pre-labour contractions and the S&S actually made things go all wonky. I think had I not had one, I would probably have progressed at my own pace, but instead I lost quite a lot of blood and mucous, my contractions became irregular and, yes, it was not just uncomfortable, it was downright painful. I would never agree to another one should I find myself in the same position.
Yes, it can sometimes bring on labour, but often it doesn't. And IMO it can mask the 'real' signs of impending labour, like the loss of your plug and regular contractions. And just to answer your last question, an S&S is like an internal, where your caregiver puts their fingers in and 'stretches' your cervix and 'sweeps' the membranes away from the cervix.

[renee84]

I jhad one done at 38 weeks, I was only 1/2 cm dilated and cervix very hard. By 39 weeks when I was induced there was not much difference! It didn't hurt me at all, maybe becuz he couln't get finger in enough? And I was bleeding for that afternoon.