[kimberley]

My MW mentioned maybe doing a membrane sweep later on in the pregnancy, I can't remember which week.

Anyone have any experience with this? What its like?, did it work? Is it worth doing?

[*Anya*]

I have some friends that did and it worked, other's it didn't. I'm opting out, unless I get over 42 weeks then I might consider it. Might lol. I don't see the need, I have faith that when my body and baby are ready labor will start Unless I'm borderline medical issues of course then yes I would try a sweep before a hospital induction.

[~AmazedByYou~]

Depending on if you're dilated or not... it hurts. They're basically putting their fingers through your cervix to get to your membranes and running their finger along the bag to separate it from your cervix which releases prostaglandins which may help start labor.

[MaineBean]

I would agree that it's kind of ouchy and hit or miss. When I was 40 weeks, I had my OB do it. Nuthin. When I was 41 weeks, she did it more enthusiastically. Nuthin.

[Mel_Kay]

I had it done with my last two, it worked both times for me. My water broke the next day each time.

My dr only did it because I was already dialating. He said that it doesn't work unless your body is ready.

[Twirlbird]

Had it 5 times with Mia. Nothing. Others who had it, worked like a charm

[AngieLMG]

My doctor offered to do it at my appointment this week. I said no thanks lol. I'd love her to stay in a bit longer! I'm trying to decide when/ if I should... I really can't make up my mind! And it sounds like there have been mixed results, anyway... hmmm.

[*Anya*]

Originally Posted by Mel_Kay

I had it done with my last two, it worked both times for me. My water broke the next day each time.

See I wouldn't consider that successful labor induction. For some people labor doesn't start on it's own for a while after waters break, but the hospital puts you on a time line and then start the interventions. Maybe it's my personal preference also but I prefer the bag stays in tact as long as possible because I think it helps cushion the contractions.

[Purple_cat]

It is not something that I would try unless I was 42 weeks and facing a hospital induction. I think there is a risk of breaking the bag of waters and I want mine to stay in tact as long as possible.

[rverrone11]

I had two done with my first pregnancy because I was facing a hospital induction. The first was at 41 weeks, and nothing happened. I was only dilated 1 cm, and it didn't hurt much. The next sweep was a few days later and I went into labor that night.

[kitt]

I've never even had a doctor mention it before. It doesn't sound too pleasant lol

[ThaiSpice]

Originally Posted by Purple_cat

It is not something that I would try unless I was 42 weeks and facing a hospital induction. I think there is a risk of breaking the bag of waters and I want mine to stay in tact as long as possible.

[Number5OnTheWay]

My friend had it done, with no luck. She said it was fairly painful. I have never had it done, but it doesn't sound like something I'm really interested in.

[Tamimomof5]

I had it done with my last pregnancy and I thought it was really painful. It also didn't help things progress at all.

[Kennydra]

I had it done with my first at 39wks (on a Wed.) started having contractions shortly after, things got more intense Sat/Sun and I had him on the Sunday afternoon. I was already 1cm dilated at the time also. I would consider doing it again at 39/40wks if it would help get labor started and I could avoid being induced.

[kimberley]

Hmm..I'll just see what my cervix is all about in the coming weeks and take it from there. Thanks for sharing, everyone. Great input, as per usual!

[Mel_Kay]

Originally Posted by *Anya*

See I wouldn't consider that successful labor induction. For some people labor doesn't start on it's own for a while after waters break, but the hospital puts you on a time line and then start the interventions. Maybe it's my personal preference also but I prefer the bag stays in tact as long as possible because I think it helps cushion the contractions.

That could be the case with others, but I had already progressed a bit with regular contractions before he did the sweep. Especially with my last, he was born 4 hours after my water broke with no interventions.

[mama3o]

I had this with my 1st, because I was overdue, but I still had a rough labor with him. It never started on its own.