Stretch & sweep....

**Trish** · October 3rd, 2007, 04:23 PM

Well you could "try" but unless you had really long fingers and could get at that angle I doubt you will do much good. I can reach my cervix at full term but even I can't do that.

What they do, and I'm sure I will get correted if I am wrong is try to strip the membranes away from the cervix. Oh here's something I found for you.

Membrane sweeping is done by your midwife or doctor. While internally examining you, he or she will simply "sweep" a finger around the neck of your womb (cervix). The aim is to separate the membranes around your baby from your cervix. This releases hormones called prostaglandins, which may kick-start your labour.

A membrane sweep increases the likelihood that labour will start within 48 hours (RCOG 2001: section 6:2:1). It has a higher chance of working if the neck of your womb is already softening and preparing for labour. It does not increase the risk of infection to either you or your baby (Boulvain et al 2004).

A membrane sweep can be uncomfortable as the neck of the womb is often difficult to reach before labour begins and there may be some slight "spotting" of blood and irregular contractions immediately afterwards (Enkin et al 2000: 235).

**Liviam** · October 3rd, 2007, 04:44 PM

I had a stretch and sweep the night my waters broke because the midwife was trying to help me establish labour without having to be induced the next morning. It did stir up some contractions for about an hour but that's it. The actual sweep was just a little uncomfortable but didn't hurt.

**chickbabe61** · October 3rd, 2007, 04:55 PM

My sister had one at 39 weeks she had it done at about midday and went into to labour 6 am the next morning. She said she didn't do anythign different so it must have been that or she was just ready to go. Good luck hun i hope everything goes well for you

**sushee** · October 3rd, 2007, 05:36 PM

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.

**Feathertop** · October 3rd, 2007, 05:58 PM

I had one at 40+6 and it was pretty painful although I've had worse pain. I think the main thing was my dr has huge hands!!!! I felt blah afterwards and bled more than I bargained for. Kicked off gentle contractsion every 30 min or so for 2 days but nothing more.

**Willow** · October 18th, 2007, 03:18 PM

Bugger, I'm having this done at 9am tomorrow but you guys have kinda turned me off now....

**Trish** · October 18th, 2007, 03:36 PM

Willlow, don't fret huni. I really didn't find it that painful at all. More uncomfortable than painful. IYKWIM. I hope it does just the trick for you and is the extra push you need.

Goodluck

***EmJa*** · October 18th, 2007, 03:48 PM

Everyone is different, it wasnt at all painful for me just uncomfortable...dw hun, hope it works for u!

**Willow** · October 18th, 2007, 03:57 PM

Thanks guys, I'm not worried about the pain - having had an extremely painful ovarian cyst, two surgeries and IVF in the last 18 months (not to mention child birth itself!) I am confident I can do 'uncomfortable' or even 'painful'.

I just hope it doesn't have any adverse affects, that's all. I'm sure he won't do it if he doesn't think its the right thing for me.

I am prepared for a bit of bleeding but to be honest too much would freak me out so I will discuss all this with my ob tomorrow.

**Trish** · October 18th, 2007, 04:07 PM

Just a note for your Willow. Be sure to pack a pad or panty liner in your hanbag tomorrow. You may need it. I never had any bleeding after mine, but most girls do.

Perhaps my midwife wasn't rough enough

**Willow** · October 18th, 2007, 04:31 PM

I'm wearing one most days now anyway Trish, but thanks for the tip!! I am prepared for some bleeding but anything excessive would pretty much freak me out - brings up too many scary memories.

**Trish** · October 18th, 2007, 04:40 PM

No hun it's more mucous and blood, like a show. Not a huge blood loss as such.

**Willow** · October 18th, 2007, 04:42 PM

OK cool, I can handle that, especially if I know to expect it.

Thanks Trish!!

**Tiff+2** · October 18th, 2007, 04:47 PM

Willow - I would like to hear how you go tomorrow (pain wise). I have been thinking about this procedure also, but it REALLY freaks me out!!!!

I hope it works for you!

**Willow** · October 18th, 2007, 05:16 PM

I'll post tomorrow after my appt and let you know how I go...

**Michelle71** · October 18th, 2007, 05:24 PM

I'll be thinking of you - and hoping you won't need it

**spring_ag** · October 19th, 2007, 04:39 AM

Willow, I had it on 40+4. It's like pap smear and just hurt a tiny little bit (my OB was quite gentle, I suppose LOL). Had some bleeding in the next several days. Was scheduled to be induced on Tuesday, but DS decided to come naturally on the Friday before that. Not quite sure whether this is because of the S&S as I didnt have any labour symptoms until D day. But I am glad I didnt have to go through the induction.
HTH and Good luck!