40 weeks appointment-What to expect?

[richmondmum84]

Anyone can please tell me what to expect from 40 weeks appointment. I am 39 weeks pregnant today. First pregnancy but baby is still only 1/5 engaged. Would they sweep membrane at 40 weeks appointment? I am scared about going overdue because of the increasing rate of meconium.

It will be like any other. Pee in a pot and bp. Listen to hb and chat through what happens next. If you are low risk you will be booked in for a sweep at 41 weeks. Try not to worry about going over. I was 2 weeks over and all fine. If you were in some countries you would be given a edd of 42 weeks anyway.

Hi Pmgkt, thanks for sharing your experience. I want baby to come naturally when he is ready, Hopefully he will pick the right time for himself. I didn't know in some countries edd is 42 weeks.. I feel much better. Thanks again for your reply

That's ok. One other thing, sweeps aren't that bad, a bit like a smear test so don't worry about that when and if you need one, or 2 as I did. All the best, this heat must be hard for you. Enjoy your last few days, make plans otherwise the time will drag.

They may do a sweep at your appointment. I was having them from 39 wks not that it made any difference.
They will probably book you in for induction, depending on protocol, ours do it when you get to 40 weeks for T+13 so that they have a bed if you need it.
I went over with all three of mine 4 days, 15 days and 16 days. All totally different experiences though and all perfect

Thanks Mosschops30, I am trying not to worry and relax it's helping to know more about other mums positive experiences. Thanks for sharing l will take my husband with me incase they offer a sweep.

My midwife always knew I wanted a natural birth so didn't book anything in when I saw her at 40+2. I knew the baby would come when ready and she did eventually at 41+3.

I had one sweep but that was at hospital when she was checking how dialated i was (slow labour day 3). I was about 1-2 cm dilated but not effaced so did a good sweep too. A little uncomfortable but looking back, nothing compared to the actual birth / contractions

All the best

going overdue is obviously more common than l thought my little one seems enjoying his last weeks as well :)

You don't have to have a sweep even if they offer one! Why are they do keen to interfere & fiddle when it's not necessary! I went 40+10 & was getting offered sweeps left right & centre - hugely stressful, they didn't seem to get it that I wanted to let nature take it's course.

I agree, they should come when they want to come. My only concern is meconium. One of my friends went into labour 40+9 and the baby unfortunately swallowed some of the meconium. She had to stay in the hospital for 3 weeks, fortunately she is perfectly healthy now. I don't think it's common but witnessing what they have been through affected me badly.I will just keep positive and trust the midwives. It helps focusing on positive experiences you ladies had.So thanks again all of you for sharing

You never know, you might be one of the 5% that give birth on their due date (40 weeks). But It's very common to go overdue especially with your first and the meconium thing is rare.

I was offered a sweep at 40 weeks and aso booked in for induction at 40+14. Should have been +13 but i didn't want to be induced on Christmas day! My waters went naturally at 40+12.

Babies are more likely to pass and swallow meconium when stressed, which is more likely with certain interventions, this might help you put your mind at ease and consider your options http://midwifethinking.com/2010/10/09/the-curse-of-meconium-stained-liquor/