To Sweep or Not to Sweep

That WAS the question.  About a week ago, my midwife offered to do a procedure called a membrane sweep or stripping of the membranes for this week's appointment.  Although this procedure is fairly common place and this is my third pregnancy, I have not ever had it done - to my knowledge (sometimes OBs and midwives have been known to perform it without asking first). 

There were only a few moments where I considered NOT having it done, and mostly it was because jump-starting the labor would mean I might not get all of my work assignments done like I had hoped.  But, I chose to do it anyhow because when you get to week 38 you start feeling like you will be pregnant for the rest of your life.... :)

For those of you unsure, here's the quick definition of a membrane sweep:  Membrane sweeping is done by your midwife or doctor. While internally examining you, she will simply "sweep" a finger around your cervix (neck of your womb). The aim is to separate the membranes around your baby from your cervix. This releases hormones called prostaglandins, which may kick-start your labour.

I read this online and my midwife assured me it was basically like a rigorous exam and that it would be uncomfortable.  My opinion -- well, it was uncomfortable and while I envisioned it take a couple of seconds, I swear she was digging around in there for a few minutes.  It didn't feel good and I was tense -- I was probably more tense because I was certain at some point I'd experience sharp, unbearable pains - that didn't ever happen.  When she removed her glove, it was bloody.

Immediately after the exam, she got me a panty-liner.  And, I started to get up, but I felt awful - physically like I had been assaulted.  My husband had accompanied me to my exam and I was trying to get my panties on - he told me to stop and take a minute.  I could hardly stand or walk on my own.  It wasn't sharp pains, but more like some of the worst period cramps in my life.  The worst part for me was that it was 9am and I had to be at work.  I sat in my office chair all day cramping like that.  I didn't even get up to eat lunch because moving made it worse.  Finally, around 3 pm I had enough and left for the day.

I slept once I got home and continued cramping and spotting that night.  The next day, I still had lots of spotting, but it turned brownish and more mucusy.  It was gross.  I had to change my panties once and another time it was so bad I had to change my sweat pants too.  But, I got out and did my Easter shopping finished as it was Good Friday and I was worried I might not have another chance. 

The shopping got some contractions going and when I got home, I started tidying up details and picking up our bedroom, finishing laundry, etc... just in case.  Sadly, my labor contractions dissipated as the evening went on.  I was disappointed. 

And, as I laid in bed this morning I asked my husband if I still haven't had the baby by next Friday (39 weeks 3 days) if he thinks I should do the sweep again -- he said yes.  And, I have to agree.  Because you have to feel like you're doing something.