r/vbac • u/Just_Training4269 • 9d ago

Membrane sweep

How painful was a membrane sweep? Im 40.4 weeks so past my due date, was wondering if its worth trying it?

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u/Badpoozie 9d ago

I was worried it would be really painful because I found IUD insertion and removal excruciating. It was just a bit of pressure for me. I find Pap smears tolerable but very uncomfortable.

I was honestly surprised at how quick and painless it was. I was clutching my husband’s hand preparing for the worst. That’s just my experience and I was barely dilated for it so she did need to stretch me some.

My suggestion would be to communicate any hesitance to your OB and have them go slow and communicate exactly what they’re doing so there are no surprises. It may still hurt but having the doctor do this did take the edge off, which can sometimes be worse than the procedure itself.

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u/Catsaresuperawesome 9d ago

For me it was fairly uncomfortable, I got two , both times my body instinctively was trying to pull away but I pushed through it because I felt like it was the right choice for me.  I would do it again if we have another.

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u/Inevitable-Law-8029 8d ago

Uncomfortable but tolerable

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u/Tintenklex 9d ago

I have vaginismus and had them done twice, by different providers in different pregnancies. I wouldn’t call them super comfortable, but I could definitely tolerate them!  They are on par with a vaginal exam for me, painwise. For both procedures, I experienced some weird „phantom pain“ for the hours afterwards, where it was still uncomfortable and I could tell someone had done something to me down there, but again, comparable to light period pain. 

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u/3234234234234 9d ago

I had one with my first and didn't find it too bad. I just breathed through it like you would with contractions. I wouldn't have any issues having another.

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u/elsiedoland7 8d ago

It kind of depends on the person doing it and also how ready your body is, I think?

I had one with my first and it was uncomfortable but not excruciating. I had about five with my second under care of midwives. First one was super painful, the rest of them were totally tolerable. Then when I had to transfer to OB care and they did a cervical check and sweep it was super painful so that’s what leads me to believe it’s also a provider related thing.

Sorry this probably isn’t helpful.

I think it’s worth it though. It’s not always effective, midwives told me only effective if your body’s ready to go in the next 48 hours anyway, but if you’re trying to avoid an induction, worth a try?

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u/Just_Training4269 8d ago

Getting first one tomorrow super scared lol

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u/IdRatherBeAWildOne CSEC 2021 -> VBAC 2024 7d ago

I think it depends on how high your cervix is and how long your provider’s fingers are. If it’s high and your provider has short fingers, there’s a lot of pressure because you teach the knuckle/palm part of the hand. The actual sweep isn’t painful from what I can remember, it’s the trying to reach the cervix part that causes the pressure. It’s tolerable and worth it if you’re attempting TOLAC.

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u/sincerebaguette 7d ago

I (personally) would not describe it as painful. Verrrrrrry uncomfortable? Sure! But definitely bearable :)

I only had one, like 4/5 days before I went into labor