Would you get a sweep?

sarajukugirl

Im not sure if they offer it in the U.S. But in the UK, your midwife is allowed to offer you a membrane sweep from 38 weeks. For those of you who don't know what one is, it's when your doc or midwife inserts a finger into the opening of your cervix and does a sweeping motion in order to separate the amniotic sac from your cervix. It's suppose to release hormones that will kickstart labour usually within 48 hours. It doesn't always necessarily work though. I was offered a sweep with my first son but was too scared to get one lol but this time I'm considering it because I'm feeling very uncomfortable at 37 weeks. Has anyone ever got one and what was your experience? Would you get one if you could, why or why not?

deviduke412

It is a common practice here in the U.S. as well. With that said, I wouldn't even consider a membrane sweep until after my due date. I'm not even getting cervical checks until after my due date, if needed. The risks outweigh the benefits for sure. A normal pregnancy can last up to 42 weeks. At 37 weeks you aren't even full term. Why would you want to try methods that are meant to try to get labor going? Yes, you may be uncomfortable, but seriously? The health of our babies are more important and if they aren't coming on their own at 37 weeks, hello, they aren't ready!

hclzmm14

I wouldn't until maybe after 40 weeks. I would prefer to let my body go into labor naturally because I feel like oftentimes the outcome is better, as in less interventions.

Unknown

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sarajukugirl

Deviduke, I'm sure they wouldn't offer pregnant women membrane sweeps at 37 and 38 weeks if it there were any risks to the baby's health. And actually, you ARE classed as full term at 37 weeks. Fact. I've just read up on membrane sweeps and there aren't any risks in getting them done. Besides, while sweeps are meant to kickstart labour it doesn't always happen. Baby will come when baby is ready, but it could encourage labour. I'm sure there are plenty of reasons why women would opt for a sweep, feeling uncomfortable being one of them. Some would see that as reason enough. And no it doesn't mean that I'd compromise the health of my baby simply because I'm uncomfortable, (how nice of you to infer that by the way) but like I said, there are no risks to the baby in getting a sweep done and healthcare professionals certainly wouldn't perform them if there was.

CaliforniaDream87

No. I don't plan on having a sweep done at all.

laurena612

Not for me! Sounds painful!

KMBC2552

I got one on my due date with my second. I had been having contractions that had stalled and were off again and on again all throughout the night. I had my weekly checkup later that day and I was still having contractions but not enough to send me to L&D yet. My doc did a sweep, told me to stay close to the hospital and walk. I had my second a couple hours later that day. 

I would consider it again if I were in a similar situation (on or past my due date and having active contractions that stalled.)

Starynightsky24

Unless it was a last resort to induce labor "naturally" (without meds) I'd never do it. Especially that early in pregnancy.

I didn't with DS either. And, it is painful and can introduce bacteria.

jessandandy09

absolutely not. they swept my membranes with my first child because I was 40 weeks and dilated to 4.  they then told me to call my family because I would go into labor that night.   11 days later is when my child was born.  It was painful and worthless.

jesselayne8

I would probably do it at 40 and 41wks as a last ditch effort to get things started before an induction.

mariafordon

NTHBubs119 said:

I had it done with my first. BUT the doctor did not tell me that's what he was doing. I thought he was just going to check for dilation. I was 38 weeks. Needless to say, it took me by surprise and it was extremely painful for me. Because of this, I chose to switch doctors this time around.

Someone in our birth class said this happened to her friend too. I would be pretty pissed if they did something like that without even discussing it with me first. Now after hearing it a couple times I'm curious how common this is and why doctors would think it's ok.

I would maybe consider it after 40 weeks but from everything I've heard it it doesn't seem effective enough to be worth the pain.

saroos3137

I had one done at 39w2d with DS because my doctor was really worried about my high blood pressure and major swelling, and thought I might have preeclampsia. She suggested a sweep, and I took home the pee collection kit for the weekend to check my protein levels on Monday. I ended up going into labor Friday overnight, and had no complications. 

The only reason I would get a sweep again is if I were in a similar situation where my health or the baby's might be compromised, or if the doctor suggested induction - I'd prefer to start with this (if deemed safe and possible) than be started on drugs to induce. I personally would not get a sweep if there are no medical reasons to start labor, even if the doctor offers (which is different than suggesting).

The problem with considering 37 weeks full term is that baby still does a lot of developing in the last weeks of labor. I'd rather have my baby be 2 weeks late instead of 2 weeks early and possible complications. My baby's health is my first priority, especially over my comfort.

cubberss

It's not something I would do. There is a risk of PROM and infection/bacteria being introduced. Plus it isn't guaranteed to work and is usually very uncomfortable. I'm in the 'let baby come when he/she is ready' boat.

That said, if I was 2 weeks over due and facing a medical induction I would try it.

cubberss

sarajukugirl said:

Deviduke, I'm sure they wouldn't offer pregnant women membrane sweeps at 37 and 38 weeks if it there were any risks to the baby's health. And actually, you ARE classed as full term at 37 weeks. Fact. I've just read up on membrane sweeps and there aren't any risks in getting them done. Besides, while sweeps are meant to kickstart labour it doesn't always happen. Baby will come when baby is ready, but it could encourage labour. I'm sure there are plenty of reasons why women would opt for a sweep, feeling uncomfortable being one of them. Some would see that as reason enough. And no it doesn't mean that I'd compromise the health of my baby simply because I'm uncomfortable, (how nice of you to infer that by the way) but like I said, there are no risks to the baby in getting a sweep done and healthcare professionals certainly wouldn't perform them if there was.

There is so, so much wrong with this post. I wouldn't even know where to begin.

deviduke412

cubberss said:

sarajukugirl said:

Deviduke, I'm sure they wouldn't offer pregnant women membrane sweeps at 37 and 38 weeks if it there were any risks to the baby's health. And actually, you ARE classed as full term at 37 weeks. Fact. I've just read up on membrane sweeps and there aren't any risks in getting them done. Besides, while sweeps are meant to kickstart labour it doesn't always happen. Baby will come when baby is ready, but it could encourage labour. I'm sure there are plenty of reasons why women would opt for a sweep, feeling uncomfortable being one of them. Some would see that as reason enough. And no it doesn't mean that I'd compromise the health of my baby simply because I'm uncomfortable, (how nice of you to infer that by the way) but like I said, there are no risks to the baby in getting a sweep done and healthcare professionals certainly wouldn't perform them if there was.

There is so, so much wrong with this post. I wouldn't even know where to begin.

Yea, that's why I'm not even going there. I gave my opinion, which was asked. Not sorry it wasn't what was wanted to be heard.

sarajukugirl

cubberss said:

sarajukugirl said:

Deviduke, I'm sure they wouldn't offer pregnant women membrane sweeps at 37 and 38 weeks if it there were any risks to the baby's health. And actually, you ARE classed as full term at 37 weeks. Fact. I've just read up on membrane sweeps and there aren't any risks in getting them done. Besides, while sweeps are meant to kickstart labour it doesn't always happen. Baby will come when baby is ready, but it could encourage labour. I'm sure there are plenty of reasons why women would opt for a sweep, feeling uncomfortable being one of them. Some would see that as reason enough. And no it doesn't mean that I'd compromise the health of my baby simply because I'm uncomfortable, (how nice of you to infer that by the way) but like I said, there are no risks to the baby in getting a sweep done and healthcare professionals certainly wouldn't perform them if there was.

There is so, so much wrong with this post. I wouldn't even know where to begin.

I'm interested, Please do elaborate on what exactly is wrong with my post.

Miz_Liz

The only sweeping I would like done involves someone else (does not need to be a Dr), a broom, a dust pan, and my floors!

sarajukugirl

deviduke412 said:

cubberss said:

sarajukugirl said:

Deviduke, I'm sure they wouldn't offer pregnant women membrane sweeps at 37 and 38 weeks if it there were any risks to the baby's health. And actually, you ARE classed as full term at 37 weeks. Fact. I've just read up on membrane sweeps and there aren't any risks in getting them done. Besides, while sweeps are meant to kickstart labour it doesn't always happen. Baby will come when baby is ready, but it could encourage labour. I'm sure there are plenty of reasons why women would opt for a sweep, feeling uncomfortable being one of them. Some would see that as reason enough. And no it doesn't mean that I'd compromise the health of my baby simply because I'm uncomfortable, (how nice of you to infer that by the way) but like I said, there are no risks to the baby in getting a sweep done and healthcare professionals certainly wouldn't perform them if there was.

There is so, so much wrong with this post. I wouldn't even know where to begin.

Yea, that's why I'm not even going there. I gave my opinion, which was asked. Not sorry it wasn't what was wanted to be heard.

Go there if you must! Yes you have your opinion which I asked for, however the judgemental undertone of your post was not called for. "Yes, you may be uncomfortable, but seriously? The health of our babies are more important and if they aren't coming on their own at 37 weeks, hello, they aren't ready!" "But seriously?" "Hello!" Attitude much? lol

It's quite common on this forum for mothers or soon-to-be moms to come off with this superiority complex. I've seen it a lot on here. We're all entitled to our opinions, but it's another thing to belittle someone for theirs.

jesicabrennan

I'm having it done tomorrow at 39 weeks. Much like all other natural forms of induction it's not going to do anything if baby isn't ready, but since I'm ready I figured why not

kcollins78

I had it done with my first baby at 39 and 40 weeks. It didn't get things going at all so I felt like it was pointless. I didn't have it done with baby number 2 because he decided to come on his own at 38.5 weeks. I won't have it done with this baby as he'll be delivered via c section on July 30 at 39.5 weeks and I'd like to keep him on the inside til then. It was pretty painful both times I had it done and like others have said, unless kiddo is ready to come out, it's probably not going to help. I do have my cervix checked from week 37 forward though just out of curiosity. I like to know what I'm working with :}

jessandandy09

mriee

I've heard they are painful and don't even work most of the time but if I was overdue I'd seriously consider it. I'd rather do that then have to be medically induced which means I couldn't give birth at a birth center. Unless you have any medical issues I doubt a midwife would even do a sweep at 37 weeks. My midwife brought them up at my 36 week appointment but said she'd only do it at 40 weeks. No matter what you decide I hope you feel more comfortable soon.

jlsweets

I had one done in my 39th week with my first. Didn't do anything and ended up being 10 days late. I'm at a new practice now and I don't get checks and won't have a sweep. I found it very uncomfortable and just unnecessary cramps and spotting. I really don't feel strongly either way on the subject. Just as other "ways" to try and get things moving, if your body isn't ready it's not going to do anything.

toccoaparker

How many train wrecks do we actually have to go through today? This is getting out of hand people..

hclzmm14

I don't think she said she wanted one at 37 weeks. She said she *is* 37 weeks and her doctor offers them starting at 38 weeks. I'm assuming that's why she is asking? Because 38 weeks is coming up?

breezymeema7

Not unless I was facing an induction.

candicejeff2013

I assume a sweep is different than a cervical exam? Just curious as I've never heard of a sweep. I suppose I wouldn't request one if not necessary. However, I am due for my first cervical exam tomorrow...I'm anxious to see what that's all about.

sarajukugirl

hazeldagarr said:

I don't think she said she wanted one at 37 weeks. She said she *is* 37 weeks and her doctor offers them starting at 38 weeks. I'm assuming that's why she is asking? Because 38 weeks is coming up?

That's right, I'm exactly 37 weeks and was actually offered to have a sweep done by my doctor TODAY after
My growth scan came back just fine. I said rather than jump right into it, I would think about it and weigh my options, as a responsible mother would do. I'm not sure about in the states, but in the UK you are actually classed as full term at 37 weeks, thus the reason why my doctor offered it now. I never said I was getting a sweep done for certain. I came to this forum to ask who has experienced a sweep and did they find it effective? Not to be patronised and made to feel like an irresponsible mother for considering it. Most of you have been lovely on here, and I genuinely appreciate your opinions, however there are ways to speak to people and express your opinion without being rude and insensitive to opinions that may differ from your own. Peace

tarheelgirl8

Personally I won't unless I am facing a induction.  I am also opting out of cervical checks as well, at least up until 40 or 41 weeks.  I just don't see the point in either to be honest.  Good luck with whatever you decide.  

cubberss

sarajukugirl said:

hazeldagarr said:

I don't think she said she wanted one at 37 weeks. She said she *is* 37 weeks and her doctor offers them starting at 38 weeks. I'm assuming that's why she is asking? Because 38 weeks is coming up?

That's right, I'm exactly 37 weeks and was actually offered to have a sweep done by my doctor TODAY after
My growth scan came back just fine. I said rather than jump right into it, I would think about it and weigh my options, as a responsible mother would do. I'm not sure about in the states, but in the UK you are actually classed as full term at 37 weeks, thus the reason why my doctor offered it now. I never said I was getting a sweep done for certain. I came to this forum to ask who has experienced a sweep and did they find it effective? Not to be patronised and made to feel like an irresponsible mother for considering it. Most of you have been lovely on here, and I genuinely appreciate your opinions, however there are ways to speak to people and express your opinion without being rude and insensitive to opinions that may differ from your own. Peace

Okay, bye bye.

Thj417

@sarajukugirl - back to your original question, I will get a sweep at 39 as I really want VBAC.

Robin910

Personally I wouldn't. I've heard they are painful and ineffective.