Cervical sweeps; do they actually work???

[bluesuperted]

Agree with Knomester... I also had many sweeps (although even the power of two pessaries could get me anywhere near 0.5cm dilated!!). I also did EVERYTHING bar only castor oil and baby came at 17 days late, by EMCS after a 5 day failed induction... Massive day long hikes, curry everyday, acupuncture, sex, pineapple, bouncing on a birth ball; nothing! I almost think next time I'd do absolutely none of it but I'm sure at the time I'll do it all again out of desperation!!

[prm]

It didn't work for me and I found it so painful and awful (during the procedure & the following days) that I refused a second one and went on to have an induction... Personally I will never ever have one again!

[MrsLL2b]

I too tried everything, had 5 sweeps,induction and eventually CS.

Would not be induced again in a million years but I would def recommend sweeps for knowing if you are imminent or not. I think it does depend who does the sweep but I mostly found them embarrassing and uncomfortable rather than terrible. First one was the worst as didn't know what to expect,pretty much like am aggressive smear test.

I now firmly believe a baby comes when it's ready (or by section!) and that there is not much point in curry etc

[Ruth_Baldock]

Thanks ladies, for all your replies.

I have had a fair few twinges and the feeling of lots of pressure, which is A Good Sign, I think. Baby was previously engaged and lovely and I noticed it because my bump felt very very low and my heartburn totally dissapeared. My HB has now returned and either I've got used to the low bump or it's no longer that low, but *something* has changed and I am now really,really upset and worried that she's dis-engaged and we're in for the long haul. D:

Still going to go for the sweeps, if anything it'll help me know more about my progress really. ANYTHING I can do to avoid surgery would be most excellent, particularly as I'll be on my own with an 18mo old and newborn pretty much the moment I get home from the hospital (husband just got mentally busy at work after not being busy for the past 4 months). I have absolutely no idea how I'll be able to cope with an abdomen full of stitches, last time I could barely get out of bed, let alone look after myself and two babies :/)

I'm due in 6 days so lets hope something happens before then, or on my due date at least.