Stretch & sweep....

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?

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.

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. :D

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 ;)

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.

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

Just by finger hun ;)

Oh thank god not so scared now lmao

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

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.

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