Membrane sweep

[Beckyloulou100]

I haven't had a routine midwife appointment this week despite being 39 weeks today but I do have one when I'm 39+6 next Wednesday 15th.

Can I ask for a membrane sweep during my appointment? Is this a normal thing to request or will the midwife arrange for another time for me to come in? My midwife only works part time and her appointments at my gp surgery fill up really quickly and really don't want to have to wait ages for it.

[mycatloveslego]

I think it's a reasonable request. I had a sweep at my 41 week appointment, my waters went a few hours later and I went into early labour within 12 hours of the sweep. Sometimes they can't do it though, it depends on the condition of your cervix. I'm 35 weeks now and I'll definitely be asking for one if nothing's happening at my 40 week appointment!
Good luck-hope all goes well for you.

[Beckyloulou100]

Thank so mycat. Hope the pregnancy is going well for you.

[ILikeSalmon]

I don't know if it's different for different parts of the country but up in the north they wait til you are 41 weeks for a sweep and normally the midwife comes to your house especially to do it.
Mine didn't work with my last baby.
I'm now 39 weeks with my 3rd baby

[Choccyhobnob]

I didn't ask, I think at my 40 week appointment mw arranged to come to my house for 41 week appointment and said herself she would do a sweep if I wanted. It worked as baby arrived 10hrs later!

[NameChange30]

I had one at 41 weeks and it didn't work (I'm 41+3 now). I don't really see the point in having one sooner. They have a low success rate (24% according to Google) and they're more likely to be successful if your cervix is already favourable (dilated, effaced etc). I don't know why you'd put yourself through the pain/discomfort if your cervix wasn't ready at all.

[mistermagpie]

At my health centre they automatically book you in for one at 40 weeks. Whether they actually do it depends on the state of your cervix obviously but the 40 week booking is standard.

[mistermagpie]

zzzz just out of interest why would you have one? I didn't have one last time but I never made it to 40 weeks.

[GemSingleton]

Yes she may even offer to just do it for you. I had an appointment on my due date. She offered me one then which I wanted. Don't be disheartened though if she tells your that your cervix is still high or closed etc. I remember feeling pretty crap that nothing was really ready yet 👎🏼. She phoned the hospital and booked my induction (incase I needed it) which in the end I did as he really didn't want to come lol. I saw her 6 days later and she offered me another but I refused it as I was just fed up and knew I had and induction booked for the friday. When I was induced I had 2 sweeps in the hospital 9 hours apart and they definitely worked as he was born the Saturday morning. Good luck xx