Did a sweep work for you at less than 40 weeks?

[firstontheway]

Right, folowing on from this thread, I had an appt at hypertension clinic today. The consultant agreed that at my next clinic appt (when I will be 38+4) they will give me a strech and sweep, and advise my midwife to give me another between then and my induction which will be on or around my due date.

This is exactly what I wanted, but I'm aware that a sweep won't do much if you're not ready anyway. So has anyone ever known one to work before their due date? Am desperately hoping I go into labour before to avoid induction!

[artichokes]

i had sweeps at 38+3, 39+3 and 40+3 weeks. everytime they said they had managed a really good sweep. none worked. however they each gave me false hope by producing a show.

i had acupucture at 41 weeks and was in labour within hours. could you try that? (start now as its best over 3 sessions although worked for me after one).

[firstontheway]

Damn, I expected as much! And I've heard it's a lot moe painful if you're not almost due to labour yourself.

But acupuncture, there's an idea. Have never had it before though, wouldn't know where to start finding someone! I could start at 37 weeks perhaps and have one a week?

[firstontheway]

artichokes, can I ask how much the sessions cost you and where you're based?

[Timeisablindguide]

Avoid a sweep if you can - unnecessary pain and no result! I actually don't know of any of my friends for whom sweeps worked - I realise that doesn't mean they can't but just letting you know because I'm talking 10 or so people who I know who've had them without labour being imminent!

[VictorianSqualor]

They can only give you a sweep if you are slightly dilated anyway.
I have had three attempts at a 'sweep' with my last baby and not one was successful. They just couldn't do it.

[Disenchanted3]

sweep at 39+5 and went into labour that night.

Was 2-3 cms already though.

[Disenchanted3]

Went into labour straight away really, but 'proper labour' later that night.

[firstontheway]

It seems like it's just luck really, doesn't it?! I have heard about a lot of people for who it hasn't worked and I'll try not to get my hopes up (though will probably be sitting by my front door in hat and cost, hospital bag by my side the night of the sweep ) but I just think, no matter the pain it's better than being induced.

Spinspinsugar and disenchanted... am hoping I'm that lucky!

[firstontheway]

cost= coat

[artichokes]

Firstontheway - I am in central London. Where are you? The acupuncture was pretty expensive (approx £50 a session).

[firstontheway]

I'm in Leicester

Have tried on google and found one site and sent an email for information

[JodieO]

I had one with ds2 when I was 38 weeks and I went into labour the next day. I was already havign contractions on and off for over a week though, early labour and the sweep either pushed me over or it was going to happen anyway but I noticed more contractions right away.

[StudentMadwife]

judging by your name op its your first baby? if so its quite unlikely that you will be dilated enough at that point to perform a s+s. Also a s+s will only work if your body is really ready and waiting to go into labor, if its not it'll just be an uncomfortable experience for you.