I was 4cm dilated and had 2 weeks of prelabour contractions when my ob suggested an S&S at 39wks4days to move things along, and it was not the right decision for me, in hindsight.

Not only did it hurt like hell and I bled a lot, but it actually made my contractions irregular and also made me lose my mucous plug. This last side effect was the one I was most unhappy with as in my previous three labours, it was the loss of my plug naturally that indicated to me that I was dilating, and was a great indication that labour was real.

The irregular contractions was another thing that annoyed me as up til then, my body was progressing in a predictable manner, albeit at it's own slow pace.

Plus, the irregular contractions and loss of blood and mucous are common in S&S, but I was so tired and impatient I ended up agreeing to something that didn't end up helping, but in fact hindered.

The fact is as a way to bring labour on, it's hit and miss, and may be more intervention than you bargained for in the end. I know it was for me. IfI were ever pg again I would most definitely not have another one.