Sweep/ induction

[Newmummy123]

Hi ladies first time mum so I'm a little clueless with the whole labour thing.

What's the difference between sweep and induction.

I'm 37 weeks so still a little longer baking yet, but when does it get to the point where they do a sweep or induction.

[CristaBell]

Hi Newmummy, I'm 40+5 with my first so also a bit clueless! I believe it depends on your midwife to when they do a sweep some do a sweep on first times mums at 40 weeks and some don't. My midwife is going to give me a sweep on Saturday at 41 weeks then if I still haven't had baby by the following Saturday I have to go in to be induced.

I believe (and could be wrong) a sweep is where your midwife does an internal to loosen the membranes around your cervix and an induction is where you go into hospital and they insert a pessary to start you off and is that don't help they put you on a hormone drip to speed things up.

Hopefully someone else with a bit more knowledge can help. :) x

[rachyconks]

As PP says a sweep is an internal to stretch and loosen the cervix. It's uncomfortable, but not really painful. They are normally offered at 40 weeks plus. I'm having one on Monday at 40 weeks. They only really work if you are really ready to go anyway - ie your cervix is "favourable" - there can be some light bleeding and mucus after so make sure you wear a pad.

Induction is done normally between 10 & 14 days after your due date and involves a pessary or drip to get your contractions started. I haven't had any experience of this - sorry.

[sleeplessbunny]

Also a sweep can be given in the early stages of labour to get things moving along. I had one after about 4-5 hrs of early labour and it certainly intensified proceedings!

[K8eee]

agree with cristabell on this one op. I'm 40+4 weeks and have a sweep booked for Tuesday not looking forward to it, but I know it's all for the right reasons and if that doesn't help them i'm booked in to be induced the following Friday