Post-membrane sweep

enjaye316 · June 2014

I'm due tomorrow, but the baby's still high, and had my membranes swept this morning. The doctor told me there would be cramping (and bleeding), and there certainly is… but how to distinguish between cramping and actual contractions? I can't imagine this could've started labor so quickly, but the cramps come and go; should I be timing them? Thanks!

Hoshikitsune · June 2014

I would say time them just in case. I keep seeing stories of women getting them swept and going into labor that day.

enjaye316 · June 2014

mamakate12345 said:

The membrane sweeping caused false labor with me...timeable uncomfortable cramping that fizzled out. If you are relaxing, get up and move around. If you are moving around, relax a bit. I found that "snaps" your body out of false labor and lets you know true contractions.

Thank you! I've been sitting here at work; I'm going to go walk around outside for a bit. It's just SO hot out…

GinnyJ2012 · June 2014

Drinking cold water also helps stop the contractions if they aren't true labor for me.

Jennicillin · June 2014

Changes in movement and body temp (so walking or cold water) would both help snap you out of false labor. You also may just be experiencing some garden variety stage one labor symptoms. You'll know it's more "real" if you feel anything in your back, legs, or groin with the cramps.... or if you notice them getting closer together or stronger.

There are a lot of free apps to time contractions and record other symptoms with them (ie bleeding, mucous plug, bloody show) I would utilize one of those :-)

Joel&Layna · June 2014

Thanks for posting. Did the membrane sweep hurt? Think we are heading that way.

bitsybubbles7 · June 2014

mamakate12345 said:

The membrane sweeping caused false labor with me...timeable uncomfortable cramping that fizzled out. If you are relaxing, get up and move around. If you are moving around, relax a bit. I found that "snaps" your body out of false labor and lets you know true contractions.

WSS 100%

PrimRoseMama · June 2014

If you have to ask then it's not a contraction.

cnchavez69 · June 2014

Keep timing them. I got my membranes swept with my first son, had some minor cramping, and then went into labor that evening. It happened quicker than I thought it would. Good luck!

nolongerdinks · June 2014

I got mine swept with my DD2. Appointment was at 2 pm. By 4:30 I was cramping, thinking maybe labor was starting. By 10 that night I was having regular contractions (15 minutes or so apart). Went to hospital at 7 am the next morning and she was born at 11:00am. So it's certainly possible that you could be in early labor. Time your "cramps" just in case!

enjaye316 · June 2014

Well turns out they WERE contractions! When cold water and walking didn't alleviate, I started timing them; they were eight minutes apart! I started heading home, but on the train they seemed to be coming five min apart so I got off the train and went to the hospital by cab. By the time I was seen in triage, they were three minutes... And six hours later, DD was born! Thank you to all for your advice, and apparently YES...a membrane sweep can send you into labor that quickly.

enjaye316 · June 2014

Joel&Layna said:
Thanks for posting. Did the membrane sweep hurt? Think we are heading that way.

It wasn't fun, somewhat painful. Hard to gauge the pain now, having just been through labor.

good luck!!!!

GinnyJ2012 · June 2014

enjaye316 said:
Well turns out they WERE contractions! When cold water and walking didn't alleviate, I started timing them; they were eight minutes apart! I started heading home, but on the train they seemed to be coming five min apart so I got off the train and went to the hospital by cab. By the time I was seen in triage, they were three minutes... And six hours later, DD was born! Thank you to all for your advice, and apparently YES...a membrane sweep can send you into labor that quickly.

Congratulations on your baby girl!

brownie123 · June 2014

PrimRoseMama said:

If you have to ask then it's not a contraction.

I disagree. I had my membranes swept with my 2nd DD, started to have contractions the next afternoon. However - I still wasn't sure, they were coming and going, and I had a hard time deciding if this was "it" or just normal cramping. But I would err on the side of caution and at least time them to see if they are regular (and getting more intense) an go from there.

Edit: OMG apparently I am a little late to the party. OP - Congratulations!!