Stretch and Sweep...

[ss_storm]

I had a S&S done about 3 or 4 days before I went into labour, so I don't if it helped or not... but it did hurt quite a lot, probably a bit worse than a pap smear, although I had one of those at my 6 week post-natal checkup and oh boy did it hurt! I was about 1-2cm dilated at the time, had it done on a Wednesday (or maybe it was Thursday) afternoon, went into labour late Saturday afternoon/evening and had DD on Sunday morning.

I hope it gets things moving for you, and all the best for your VBAC!

[~Raven~]

I've had one baby born the day of a S&S and another the day after. I was already post dates (8 & 5 respectively) and 2-3cm dilated so it was possibly ready to start any time anyway.

I did have one at about 39.5 weeks (can't remember exactly) at 1cm. It was VERY painful and I had lots of cramping and show that night but didn't do anything as I had to go back the next week. I wished I'd not requested it as it was my choice to try it.

[Snacks]

I had one when I was in labour with DD1 (I was 6cm). It hurt.
Have you considered acupuncture? I had two sessions before DD2's birth... Didn't make it to the 3rd appt

[Rommy'sMummy]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like it is going to hurt! Better to be prepared for that than unpleasantly suprised!

I have just printed out the acupressure guide from BB and will start that tonight. Is it too late to start acupuncture? Does that have to be started earlier ie around 37 weeks or is getting it done between 39-40 ok?

Thanks,

[~Raven~]

I don't think it's too late, though you get the most benefit from acupuncture over a course of visits. You will come out of it feeling very refreshed!

They stick the electrodes on you once you get to 40 weeks. Before that its much gentler

[Snacks]

I started at 40 + 1. Phoebe was born on 40 + 4. The practitioners recommended 3 sessions of induction acupuncture.
FWIW, I am sure I have read there are people on here who had a S&S and didn't find it painful

[KatieRabbit]

I found the s&s more violent than painful (not sure which is worse) but was ok once I got over the shock of what the midwife had just done! I had been in labour 24 hrs then contractions stopped but started up again after the s and s. Mind you I had my one and only accupuncture session the day that labour started but given that I was 41+5 it was bound to start anyway really!
Having my time again, I would do absolutely nothing but wait for bubs...