To sweep or not to sweep?

[bumperlicious]

I have split care between dr and MW and dr said to make my 38 week appointment with her and 40 week with MW in case I want her to do a sweep.

Don't know much about it. Does it hurt? What are the advantages/disadvantages? Does it lead to further intervention and does it actually work?

[lulumama]

ah, the burning question

it will work if you were going to go into labour anyway within the next 24 - 48 hours

and if your cervix is not ripening, or ripe, might not be able to have it done

it can be uncomfortable, and you can have a bit of bleeding and a show afterwards, and contractions, but does not guarantee labour will start

also , it can increase the incidence of meconium in the waters (IIRC) and also, the waters can be broken accidentally, and that starts the clock ticking on labour starting or induction

best to try lots of sex, orgasm and nipple stim as you approach your due date

it should not really be done before 40 weeks

[bumperlicious]

Thanks lulumama, you are truly all knowing!

[lulumama]

look, i had two sweeps,neither worked! but i know if you are on the cusp of labour starting, it can help !

[Klaw]

I wouldn't bother attempting a sweep if I was you until you are at least 41 or probably even 42wks! The vast majority of people go itno labour sometime in the 40th week, it would seem, so there's no need to be trying to hurry baby along until you've at least got to 41wks.

As Lulu says, there's the risk of accidental ARM, there's risk of infection, there's risk of demoralisation, there's risk of a plain uncomfortable stressful situation which you clearly don't need at 40+ wks! What you need is to be at home enjoying the twilight of your pg allowing yours and baby's hormones to go into labour spontaneously.

This is my advice having had three attempts at sweeps from 41wks (scan), the first two being totaly unsuccessful and stressful and only the 3rd at 42wks (scan) being successfully performed but I was desperate for my VBAC. So next time, having done more research and being more confident in my body, I will stay away from the HCPs!

Now, if there is a clear medical need to get baby out quickly, then I may well consider a sweep, but not without good reason!