Pros and cons of sweeps

[Again]

I'm 38+4 and have been told they won't let me go over. I've gestational diabetes. I'm not talking about doing it now, but with a day or 2 to go?

What are people's feelings on it. Seems a bit unfair to bubs but I don't want another caesarean and that's the only option if I don't go by myself. I had been hoping for a nice calm hypnobirth before the consultant had her say!

why won't they "let" you go over? has the GD been managed well?

a friend of mine had very severe GD, and at 39 weeks the consultant wanted to do a c-section as he proclaimed that the scan results and how she felt were indicating that the baby was well over 10lb

she refused and had her baby at 41 weeks, 8lb 13

now, obviously i realise this is just anecdotal, but I think as long as baby's weight isn't a realy big concern and as long as s/he is ok in there they can't acually stop you from "going over" can they?

i guess in your situation i would maybe let the midwife have a feel around the 40 week stage and see if she thinks it's favourable and then make a decision then?

Pro = It might speed up your labour starting.

Con = it REALLY hurts!

I've had sweeps with both pregnancies - they do hurt but it's not that bad and it won't hurt your baby. First time it did nothing (I went a further week overdue!). Second time my baby was born about 12 hours later.....

I'm going in for a showdown about it on wed and bringing hubby for support! Diabetes very well managed. I have another rare condition but it's not related to related and I can't see how it's relevant. It's just that it's probably the first case they've had. Had last baby in London and there the medical staff didn't blink about it.

Meant it's not related to pregnancy! Do however need to be on drip of steroids throughout labour

ro- It worked for me and was in labour the next day :) 5 weeks ago :) AND it is uncomfortable but didnt hurt and I would not be afraid if I ever had to have one again IYKWIM

Con- Honestly cant think of one except they dont always work, I had a consultant do mine and she was very good, although abit rougher than a MW she wanted to make sure it would work

I've had them at term in all 3 pg, first 2 didn't budge him and he was 8 days overdue. 2nd and 3rd sweep on due date, waters broke that evening, baby born early hours the next morning. I can't see any negatives from babys point of view as long as not too early and cervix is favourable ie you were prob on your way anyway - they check this and wouldn't do one if really not looking ready I don't think. Is better than chemical induction to get things going would have thought and less painful/ forceful on the baby from what I've heard and usually they are hassling you for induction at this point so sweep always seed like a good thing to try to me.

Just don't tilt your hips as they do it. I was asked to do this and baby slid out of pelvis and turned posterior. Cue painful back labour being induced a week later.

Hiya

I always tell my pregnant mums the same. Any form of intervention is still an intervention!
A sweep will only work if you're body is about to go into labour anyway, so there's little point having one unless they are going to induce you anyway, which you've stated they won't do - I note that you had a previous cesearean, so guess you're hoping for a VBAC?

I would really qualify why they want things to happen now. As thisisyesterday mentioned, if you've been managing your GD well and there are no complications, I can't see any reason why you can't continue as you are - letting things happen naturally!

Don't let anyone tell you that GD = big baby = more complications /risks for a VBAC birth as this is utter nonsense!
Yes, women who have GD tend to have bigger babies (although not always!!) but this has no bearing on a VBAC. Uterine rupture is no more likely.

If you have any more qs - please shout and best of luck.

Mads
Antenatal teacher and VBAC coach
Bump to Birth and Beyond