Stretch and Sweep...

[Rommy'sMummy]

Hi All,

I am having a stretch and sweep done next Monday if my cervix is favorable. I will be 40 weeks and we are planning a VBAC so dont really want the baby to go too long over dates as then it gets harder to do any VBAC appropriate inductions.

Any one had any experience with s&s - any success or otherwise and was it painful???

I am also doing the following to get baby earth side if it is ready...sex, curries, clary sage oil (YUK it doesnt smell that great!) and raspberry leaf tea.

Thanks,

[Peach*]

Hi Rommy'sMummy,

I went 14 days over with DD and had a stretch and sweep the day before she was induced, and then the day she was born, to break my waters.

I also tried the curries, long walks, castor oil(BLEEEEEUUUCH!!!) which didnt work so had to have the intervention.
Im going to be honest, I found it really quite painful. Kind of like a pap smear but more intrusive. I guess for me maybe I was just more sensitive Im not sure. But I dont want to lie to you!

Best best best of luck with your VBAC and impending labour!!

[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,