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kellverona 
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Location: Hervey Bay Australia
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 Topic: sweep
Posted: 18 August 2006 at 1:03pm |
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Can anyone tell me what a sweep is, to bring on labour and is it painful??
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my2angels
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 1:10pm |
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I had one a couple of days before I was induced. It wasnt painful, just uncomfortable. Im not sure of the technical details but your midwife just pushing things around a bit. I takes only a minute and I didnt find it to bad (as good as it can be with someone playing around up there) it also gives them a good idea of how ready you are for labour. It can bring on labour but only if you are really really ready anyway, otherwise it can still take awhile.
Edited by my2angels
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Maya
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 1:12pm |
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It's where the OB or midwife uses a finger (with a glove!) to 'sweep' the edge of your cervix. If you are just about ready to go into labour the sweep can be enough to loosen the mucous plug and get things started, avoiding the need for an induction.
I haven't had one, but have been told it is uncomfy but not painful as such.
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 Maya Grace (28/02/03)
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daikini
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 1:13pm |
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A sweep can be when your midwife, during an internal examination, separates the layers of the cervix with her finger. It is uncomfortable, but no more painful than any other pregnancy-related internal examination.
I had one to bring on labour with Josiah... the first proper contraction hit half an hour later, and he was born the next morning.
Edited by becca.l
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Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys
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Bizzy
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 1:14pm |
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yep, its uncomfortable....and if your body isnt ready then it wont do much either.
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jax
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 2:01pm |
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I found it uncomfortable, but completely bearable and not really painful. I think it may have helped bring in labour, although my midwife did say she thought my cervix was already quite favourable so it may have been I was ready to go anyway.
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Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~
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Kels
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 4:33pm |
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Can you request the sweep as soon as you reach 40gestation??.
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Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs
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chonny
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 5:03pm |
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Hey, so if they agree to induce you, can you ask for the sweep first? Or do they do the gel first?
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Kelpa
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 6:10pm |
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usually sweep first I think!
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Maya
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 6:36pm |
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Yep, quite often the midwife will do the sweep at a routine antenatal visit some time after your due date and then see what happens and if you don't go into labour then they look at induction.
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Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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my2angels
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 6:44pm |
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With me when they booked me in to be induced they asked my midwife to do a sweep on the Tuesday (was induced on Thursday). Then on the thursday they used the gel stuff which started the labour etc.... She did do another sweep once the epidural was in which really got things happening but I didnt feel it thanks to the drugs cos she said she was really "getting in there"
not sure if you can request one at 40 weeks or not, guess it depends on your midwife and where baby is at cos there aint much point if baby is still really really high up.
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Rachael21
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Posted: 18 August 2006 at 9:28pm |
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I had 3 starting at 38 weeks because she was so convinced id go early. They only work if you are close anyway. They sometimes give you cramps after.
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busymum
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Posted: 27 August 2006 at 8:05pm |
I had sweeps for both of mine and they are certainly nothing to dread in terms of discomfort etc. They also are pretty quick. I was 39 1/2 weeks both times, and contractions started within 24 or so hours. You can certainly ask your mw for one if you want! And if she doesn't think your baby/body is quite ready I guess she'll just tell you then. They are certainly tempting anywhere close to the 40 week mark 
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sweep
