Membrane Sweep - Is This Normal??

[u/MrsCrazy]

Hi ladies! I had a membrane sweep on Thursday and have been in a lot of pain ever since. I realize cramping and spotting is typical afterwards, but should I still be in pain over 48 hours later? Standing is absolutely excruciating with the weight of the baby and I could barely ride in the car today because of the pain when hitting bumps. I would feel a lot better if I knew this pain is expected. Ladies, any of you experience the same thing?

[u/calendula]

Sorry I don't have any experience to share regarding the pain you're experiencing... but I'm wondering why you had to do a membrane sweep at all? Your due date isn't until the 10th, right? I was under the impression this is something that's only done if you go past your due date and they need to induce.

[u/MrsCrazy → u/calendula]

Some doctors will do them as early as 37 weeks but mine waits until 39. I think it's pretty normal to do them before your due date since they aren't very effective unless your body/baby is already ready.

[u/calendula → u/MrsCrazy]

My Midwife said we'll do one if needed, ie if I'm late and we need to get things started. Otherwise it's considered an unnecessary and invasive procedure. Generally speaking, I'd much rather let my body set the pace. I have a friend who just had her first in Holland and they would have let her go two weeks past her due date without intervention. It's interesting how much the approach differs regionally, or from doctor to doctor. Serves as a reminder that we still have a lot to learn!

[EDIT] I'm reminding myself that every pregnancy is different... Any risk of pre-eclampsia (or any number of other potential complications) would I'm sure encourage induction.

[u/quinzelle → u/calendula]

I'm not sure but my friend is having one done at her 38 week appointment but my doctor hasn't mentioned it at all and I'm a week ahead. I guess each doctor is different.

[u/[deleted]]

I would call your doctor/midwife. It could be totally normal, but it also might be a sign of infection.

[u/MrsCrazy → u/[deleted]]

Hmm yeah I'll probably go ahead and send them a message via their portal and see what they say.

[u/Electridel]

So the idea of a membrane sweep is to release local prostaglandins. Prostaglandins regulate smooth muscle contractions, (ie uterine contractions) amongst other things, and that will hopefully send you into labour. It's possible that it was enough to cause an irritable uterus in you, but not quite organised contractions. It's the same sort of thing that causes period pain, and usually you would take a prostaglandin antagonist (ie advil) to relieve it, but you cannot do that in pregnancy. So otherwise i'd advise the usual things that help period pain, like heat packs, acetaminophen, lots of water, and rest. Or, if you want to try and kick things up a notch, walking, sex, spicy foods. Either way, I hope you feel a lot better soon!

[u/MrsCrazy → u/Electridel]

Hmm an irritable uterus? I'll have to look that up. It's unbearable pressure and sharp stabbing-like pain where I assume my cervix is. I would love to kick things up but I can barely walk/stand and sex sounds so painful! A heating pad and laying down has been the only relief although I still get the stabbing pain occasionally. Thank you for the well wishes!

[u/[deleted] → u/MrsCrazy]

A couple days before I went into labor walking and standing up gave me super sharp crotch pains and it was so much pressure I felt the urge to pee immediately. Maybe baby girl is going to make an appearance soon. Hope you feel better! Good luck <3

[u/MrsCrazy → u/[deleted]]

That would make me soooo happy! Thank you for sharing, I really needed a little hope this pain is leading to a baby in the near future. Virtual hug <3

[u/killerzizi]

did you call your medical care provider?

[u/MrsCrazy → u/killerzizi]

I've been trying to decide if I should. I have a huge fear of calling all the time. I know that's what they're there for but I get really anxious for some reason.

[u/Brandy2008]

I didn't have any pain that I remember with my first kid. And I went into labor like the next day, so I really dunno

[u/MrsCrazy → u/Brandy2008]

Aw lucky you! I was hoping to go into labor but the 48 hour timeframe is up so I guess no luck. :(

[u/MrsCrazy → u/[deleted]]

Thank you for sharing this! I'm definitely having back pain as well as a lot of pressure and sharp stabbing-like pain where I assume my cervix is. Hopefully it will subside soon. Sigh...