Hi Rachy, yup what the girls are saying is true. With a stretch and sweep, that's exactly what they do, stretch your cervix and sweeps his/her fingers over the membranes (this irritates the membranes and scratches it so that they become weaker) to see if they may break a little later on. When he does this it is probably worth keeping a little active (don't tire yourself out though, just incase it works and you go into labour) go shopping, do laundry, go for a little walks. With the gels, this is done in hospital, he will insert the Prostaglandin gels into your cervix, you lay still for a good half hour, no less and start contracting. I've always had pain within 15 mins of insertion, but when I say pains, it's more of a dull period type pain, very managable. The pain gradually builds up becomes regular and you go into labour. I have only ever had to have one lot of gels, although I have heard of women needing up to three go's. I think the trick is to walk and walk and walk. Stop with each contraction and rest and then walk some more. When I rested for 15-20mins every so often. I would sit on my aerobics ball with legs spread and rock my pelvis gently. I have never had the drip nor do I want too, and I don't like my membranes being ruptured. Contractions hit way to fast and way to painful. I like to gradually build up to the moment rather than be thrust into it. lol. Good luck darl, you'll be great.
Ta Dee