Hey ladies, well some of you may be aware they are keen to induce me next week due to my health, any way i am really nervous about being induced and am trying everthing to get labour started naturally!

Just wanted to know if its possible to attempt a sweep yourself!? Was wondering from you ladies who have had one done, how they actually do it, and if you think its possible to do it yourself?

Any other tips would be great!!!

Kate 37+4 xxx

I had 3 sweeps and no, you can't do it yourself. Your cervix is too high and it's sometimes hard for the midwife to do it if your not ready. I would agree it is uncomfortable and not painful but I didn't find it at all embaressing, just part of the birth process.

I went 13 days over and my 3rd sweep sent me straight into labour. If I was you I'd request a sweep, that way you'll know if your cervix is soft or you're at all dialated, if thats the case then a sweep might do the trick. It's probably unlikely as your not yet due but you never know. My 3rd sweep the midwife said my cervix wasn't favourable and she didn't think it would work but by the time I left the surgery I was having contractions! She arrived the next day.

Good luck and even if you do have to be induced you still have choices, be strong, you'll be fine.
Donna & Eden (4 months)

Hi I had a sweep with my first child and would not think you can do it yourself. Basicly the midwife inserts fingers inside you ( with gloves and lube) sorry TMI and moves round in a sweeping motion touching the cervix too check how cervix is. In prep for induction if reqiured, so they know what method would be needed. I found this proceedure uncomfortable not painful but very very embarrasing. Midwife even said she tickled my babys head and it had lots of hair and this i found was true yet unnerving when i gave birth to him the next day. The combination of the sweep and the midwife suggestion of sex was enough to start me so i escapade induction but i know lots of mums who have been induced and from talking to them it wasnt as scary as it sounded. Try natural thing such as rasp leaf tea, walking. sex or nipple tweaking to start yourself off( not caster oil as it will make ya ill) but i think its fair to say unless your body is ready for labour it prob wont happen If you are induced at least you will have your baby soon. Good luck X
Donna mum to Luke4,Ben2 and 28 weeks preg