Sweep/induction - please help!

[herethereandeverywhere]

I'm 40+4 and just seen the midwife (usual disinterested service from the 4th midwife I've seen in 4 appointments - I've only had 4 midwife appointments all pregnancy!)

She didn't check me internally (I assume that's normal?) and said they don't usually offer a sweep until 40+5. She booked me for an induction at 40+12. Because my midwife team only do appointments on a Tuesday afternoon I've missed this weeks slot so I'm booked for a sweep 24 hours before the induction!! I'm so fed up with getting no information and no help and being overdue. Please could someone tell me:

1. Is there any point having a sweep so close to the induction?

1. Could this actually be a good thing as it gives my body the max. chance of doing things naturally?

1. She did say the head was engaged - that's a good sign isn't it? Or does it mean nothing?

PS: Please don't advise sex/ball bouncing/curry/raspberry leaf tea or I may resort to violence!!!

Thanks in advance.

[CarmenSanDiego]

I don't really understand the rush to get babies out. Any time between 37 and 42 weeks is normal term. It can depend on your cycle too, so if you have longer gaps between periods, you might have a slightly longer pregnancy.

Yes, we start to feel a bit impatient at the end of pregnancy, but it seems more important to me to let the baby come in its own time.

There's actually minimal evidence a sweep works anyway other than as a placebo effect. They are however known to cause pain and introduce a higher risk of infection.

[herethereandeverywhere]

Thanks Carmen - I've calmed down a bit now. TBH I think having the max. time for things to happen naturally is probably for the best. I just wish I could have relied on my midwife to talk it through with me, point out the things you have about it being normal etc.

She was struggling to calculate 40+12 on the calendar so I wasn't holding out too much hope for discussing anything more complicated - in fact no-one has actually explained a sweep to me at all - I only know because I make it my business to be well-informed (mostly by asking mumsnet !!) I really hope the hospital midwives are more reliable

[redsofas]

im not too sure about induction or anything but sweep could still be worth it 24hr in advance of induction as i guess would end in a less medically intervened birth and less painful?
i had sweep done at 40+5 and went into labour almost straight away and ds2 was born 10 hours later!!!
i was pretty amazed myself i must say!!!!
on the other hand had sweep with ds1 at 41+1 and didnt have him for another 2 1/2 days!!!

[CarmenSanDiego]

Aww, just hold on in there. You've got bags of time before 40+12. The baby has to come out sometime. Just try to relax and pamper yourself in the meantime (I know, easier said than done! )

By the way, don't worry about vaginal exams etc. The cervix can change very rapidly (in a matter of hours) so they don't tell you a whole lot. Fortunately, I don't think they're done routinely in the UK.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy arrival soon!

[herethereandeverywhere]

Thanks Carmen, I slept quite well last night so feeling better about the whole thing. In fact, I'm sort of feeling protective over the baby and that he/she will exit when ready. So I guess I'll just continue to put my feet up, read trashy magazines and enjoy the peace and quiet!

[roxy12]

Hi.

I had a sweep when i was 40 weeks pregnant, i had it at 9.30am and went into labour 7.30pm that night!

So it worked for me!

I was so impatient, and i was also in early labour for a week so thats why they done me a sweep at 40 weeks as i was just so uncomfterble and in alot of pain!

Good luck