Stretch and sweep

[firstbub]

Hi there,
I am currently 39 weeks pregnant with my second child. I am trying for a VBAC this time, as I had to have a csection last time as my DD was breech. However, if I go more than a couple of days overdue I will have another csection (as bub is quite big).

This morning I had an appt and they did a stretch and sweep to try and get things moving. She said that the cervix was soft but still closed. Babies head is down but it is not engaged. Does this mean that the sweep will not work? Also, is it normal to bleed a little after this procedure???

Thanks for any replies!

[Pandora]

some bleeding afterward can be normal yes. I had one done with DS1 but i was 41w. I had yucky visits to the loo for 24 hours afterwards, and was then induced a day later.

If she didint think your cervix was going to respond well, your OB would (should) not have done the procedure. so hopefully things may start moving soon! GL

[*becstar*]

yup perfectly normal to bleed a little.

For me I was 40wk +1 when I had mine and I also lost some mucous plug afterward but I was already 2cm dialated too.

I had mine done about 4pm and DS2 was born at 7;50am the following morning.

Good luck!

[harleysgirl]

Yes a little bit of bleeding is normal but if you get worried ring the hospital about it.

Your cervix is soft so thats a good sign hopefully the s & s will tickle it enough to start to open.

[savina]

i had one with my bub .. i was 40 wks +4 days , at 1pm then went into labor at 3am the next day , my labor was short only 1hr and 45mins ,,, and i had some light bleeding and cramping with back pain ..
it did the trick for me
all the best

[first_time_mummy]

whats a stretch and sweep?

[Alan]

A stretch and sweep is where the midwife puts her fingers inside your cervix and moves them back and forth between your uterus and the bag of waters. There is some research that suggests 80% of women who had this done will go into labour within 48 hours. It is usually uncomfortable and can be quite painful. Some bleeding afterwards is normal ther is also a potential danger of breaking your waters.

[first_time_mummy]

ahhh ok. thankyou alan