Aibu to ask for a stretch and sweep at next mw app

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By the time my next midwife app comes around I’ll be 38+4

Am I allowed to ask for a stretch and sweep at this app? First timer so not sure if I have to wait until 40 plus weeks or if I can ask to see if things can get started

Thank you♥️

I had mine at 39+4 (baby arrived three days later on due date. No idea if it was related or not)

Just here to offer sympathy. On paper my pregnancy was fine but the struggle throughout and especially towards the end was unreal. I feel your pain and you're not unreasonable to ask the question. The only saving grace for me was that I was so happy to be giving birth that I didn't even care about the pain, I was just elated that it meant the pregnancy would be over!

These last couple of days/weeks will probably feel like the longest of your life, but the moment the baby is out, all of the horrible symptoms will go away. Strangest thing ever.

Hoping it's not too much longer for you!

Even if she agrees it’s probably unlikely to work at this point especially in first pregnancy bc the cervix is just so high and tight.

My mw attempted one at 39 wks but couldn’t even get into cervix and that’s fairly common.

Sorry you are struggling, do you use a gym ball at all? I found that really helped, I bounced a lot towards the end and it usually gave a bit of temporary relief from discomfort or pressure

Does the head being engaged have any bearing on how reachable the cervix is? Sorry if it’s a stupid questions but as I said I’m a first timer so I’m not sure!

I might not even bother asking and just let nature take its course if it may be too far up to perform once as i don’t want to increase my discomfort.

It will likely be from uncomfortable to painful. it increases the risk of infection and premature rupture of membranes. It actually does not work, as even if contractions start shortly after, they are usually uncoordinated, painful and ineffective, which often leads to more intervention.

As a midwife, I stopped offering them a while ago and now only do them in very specific circumstances where it is medically indicated.

With my first they only did a sweep when I was dilating too slowly.

This time I wont see my mw until I am gone 40 weeks (5 days till due date!) I am horribly uncomfortable, can barely walk with my Achilles and calf muscles killing me.

All I remember is the sweep was horrific even above the contraction pain, even though I am in so much pain right now I dont think I want a sweep unless they forced me too

Does the head being engaged have any bearing on how reachable the cervix is? Sorry if it’s a stupid questions but as I said I’m a first timer so I’m not sure!

Not stupid to ask! Babies head can be very well engaged but the cervix still be long, closed & high, tucked behind the head.

There is little or no evidence they work. I had one on my first and it was incredibly painful so maybe just wait. You won’t have that long left anyway, they have to come at at some stage!

I've had three children and have never had one. I went into spontaneous labour at 42 weeks twice.
My sister in law was given one...offered one (she didn't ask) at 38 weeks though. No harm in asking, they can only say nothing x

I think if you're already starting to dilate then they are more effective.

I had a S&S at 37+5 as I was 3cms dilated (didn't know it) and there was relatively low fluid around the baby. That was around 9am.

Waters broke at 11.30am, Ds was born 4 hours later.

S&S with DS2 at 38 weeks, he arrived at 38+2.

I would request an exam (if you're able to do that in UK) and if cervix is soft and favorable then I'd request the S&S.
If cervix is high and fully closed then I absolutely wouldn't. Unnecessarily painful especially if your body isn't close to being ready.

First time having a baby, Had a first stretch and sweep on sunday, having another one today. What are the chances this one will work? I'm 41+3 feeling very helpless and desperate for a natural hynobirth do not want to be induced.

Hello,

Thankyou for your response, I had a second attempted stretch and sweep yesterday but unfortunately the midwife explained that my cervix is still closed and it was impossible.

She also informed me that baby is back to back which may be why he's late.
I'm just waiting for a phone call from the hospital to book induction.

Thankyou again.

I had one at 40+2, it was painful and I was already 2cm dilated when they did it. Didn't go into full labour for 5 days either. Not worth it in my opinion.

Induction ( stretch and sweep is a form of induction) carries risks that going into labour naturally doesn't, the earlier in the pregnancy, the greater the risk. Hang on in there op, your time will come.

@Thissucksmonkeynuts

Induction ( stretch and sweep is a form of induction) carries risks that going into labour naturally doesn't, the earlier in the pregnancy, the greater the risk. Hang on in there op, your time will come.

I hope so, the baby in this thread will be coming up to 2 years old now!