Stretch & sweep....

[Willow]

I had my 37 week check up with my Ob today, we went through my birth preferences etc and I am really happy with the way he plans to manage the rest of my pregnancy and my labour and delivery.

He commented that I'd been looking very uncomfortable for a few weeks now (true!) and that as of next week, if I wanted him to he would do an internal examination to see where things stood and if things were looking favourable he would do a sweep of my membranes.

I've heard this is a bit ouchie and don't know if I'd actually go through with it but wanted to ask about people's experiences - have you had it done? Did it get things moving? Would you do it again?

[Tashie]

I had to have three inductions (the first two didn't take) and yes, it is very painful, the most painful thing I have ever experienced, so if you can avoid it, I would.

[Trish]

Had it done several times with Tehya. Only midly uncomfortable, not painful or hurting as such. Never worked.

Although SIL had it done, she also had acupuncture and a good walk in the same day and she went into labour that night. So....... could have been the S&S, or she was just ready.

ETA, you were talking about a stretch and sweep and not an induction weren't you ?? Just making sure there.

[Antheia]

I had it done with Charlie. It hurt a bit but only for a second. I had a few pains for a few hours after it. I had it done on the monday night and went into labour on tuesday morning.

[Willow]

Yep Trish, definitely not talking induction!!

Neither my Ob nor I will be discussing induction until much later down the track if it becomes necessary.

I'm just talking about an internal examination and possibly a sweep if he is happy to do so (depending on how things are looking).

**ETA: For those that have had it done - how far along were you?

[BellyBelly]

At 37 weeks I wouldnt bother - plus less chance of infection...

[Willow]

Kelly, it wouldn't be done until at least 38+ weeks, he meant any time after next week.

[Antheia]

I was 39 weeks & 3 days.

ETA: I had an internal at 38 weeks and she couldn't even reach my cervix. When i had the S&S i was already 3cms dilated.

[becky]

Hi, just another question I might add,

What sort of pain is it? Is it uncomfortable like a pap smear, or like cramping?
Great Thread question by the way, Willow

[LizzysMum]

I had one that I did not consent to by a midwife when I went in for an induction by Gel. They found I was 1cm dialated and she did one - I only realised later what it was. It hurt quite a bit, a tear to the eye I recall, especially as she gave me no warning and I was totally unprepared.

It was on no use and because I was 1cm they could not do the Gel so next morning had the drip and a horrid induced labour. Nobody is coming anywhere near me until I am well overdue this time.

[Trish]

I was just under 40 weeks. So just before my DD.

SIL was around the same too. Although hosp had her dates out and thought she was further.

I would say uncomfortable like a pap smear. My cervix was still posterior too, she gave it a pull up to the front and a stretch. I don't think it hurt that bad actually. Or maybe I'm a saddist

[Artechim]

I had one at 38 weeks, I was 1-2cm dialated. It didn't hurt at all - I didn't even realise she was doing it. I only found out when I asked about it the following week and was told it had already been done.

[LadyRaven]

How do they do a stretch and sweep? Is it just with a finger or with those big duck bill things?

[Trish]

Just by finger hun

[LadyRaven]

Oh thank god not so scared now lmao

[Trish]

You will do fine huni. Just remember relax and take some deep breaths Besides, who knows, you may well not even need a S&S.

[KSH]

I think the success rate is quite high aswell so it might be something to think about. In my experience of seeing them, they are uncomfortable but not painful.

[LadyRaven]

This is prolly a stupid question but what exactly do they do? Is it something u can do yourself?