GD / SWEEP 37wks / INDUCTION 38wks

[LylaLils]

Hi,

I am on meds for Gestational Diabetes and the midwife has told me they will more then likely do a sweep at 37weeks (2 weeks from now) and if this doesn't work they will try induction the week after - at 38 weeks.

In regards to the sweep, from what I have gathered the success rate depends on a number of things. Does anyone have any similar stories they can share and let me know the outcome? I am so worried all of the time. Will I have to stay overnight after the sweep or will they just do the sweep and send me home (considering I am "high risk")? Is it really as painful as I have been hearing?

In my exp they will just sweep and send you off on your way. Its said that a sweep can take up to 48 hours to work if its going to.

I had sweeps with my first pregnancy and as my cervix wasnt favourable she couldnt really get her finger in all that well and they didnt work at all, but they didnt hurt! Uncomforatble, yes. A bit like a smear maybe?... Dont panic!

Hi Lyla,

I had GD in my first pregnancy and ended up on medication from about 32 weeks. Drs were always saying they wouldn't let me go past 38 weeks and sure enough, my blood pressure went up at 38 weeks so they induced. It was all fine, long (48 hours) but all ok and ended up with a healthy baby.

This time I have GD again but totally controlled by diet, so they've said they'll just sweep me at 38, 39 and 40 weeks to try to get my body to go into labour instead of inducing when it's not strictly necessary.

As far as I know, a sweep only takes minutes and they'll send you on your way again. There's a fair chance that it won't have any effect at only 38 weeks though as your body might not be ready to comply! I haven't had one before but friends tell me it's just uncomfortable like a smear - that's what I'm hoping for anyway

If you want to ask anything, do. Not sure my reply will have helped but just know that if you are induced it'll be fine.

Thank you both for your replies and reassurance, I am feeling loads better about it now.

dear lylalils,
a sweep will just be done in a routine appointment, they will find your cervix and if it is dilated a little they will insert a finger into it and sweep around the membranes to try and start labour. research shows that they are most effective after 40 weeks, but if you are going to be induced, and as sweeps dont harm you or the baby, they will offer them earlier. so sweeps depend on your gestation and how favourable your cervix is (how ready it is to go into labour).

if sweeps are going to work, they will in the first 48 hours, so overdue women are usually offered up to 3 sweeps every 2 days.

good luck!
Emma - midwife

Thank you Emma, for your informative message, very helpful and much appreciated!