Aiming for VBAC after failed induction - being refused a sweep - should I push for one?

[abigboydidit]

Hi - I'm 38 weeks pregnant and aiming for VBAC after a failed induction with my DS (20 months). Am booked in for an ELCS 10 days after my due date and am happy to go with that as a plan B, as beyond that date I have serious childcare issues. Whilst I am delighted that I will have no forms of induction eg pessary/drip, I had assumed I would be allowed a sweep. I was sure the consultant had said this would be okay but the community midwives are refusing, stating they wont do a sweep on me as I am on a "red pathway" (consultant led - MW led is a green pathway). Is there a valid reason for this or are they being stubborn? If it is the latter I will push & contact the consultant again if necessary but obviously if it is contraindicated then I wont. Have tried the wonder of Google but can't find anything so any information would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I had a VBAC, and it was started off by a sweep.

But it was done at the hospital following an appointment with the consultant (like you, I had a CS booked as a back-up). I'm sure you could ask to be referred to the consultant when you are (say) +7 for a sweep to be done.

Ah - thanks for that CointreauVersial. Think I should maybe call the Consultant's secretary then and see if getting one as an inpatient is an option.

Well, I wasn't an inpatient as such, I had been referred for an appointment with the consultant because of growth concerns (which proved groundless) and was in tears with the MW on duty because the ELCS was looming and I didn't really want it.

She said she could do a sweep there and then, and I went into labour within 24 hours.

I had sweeps with my VBAC from 39 weeks, both from the MW and at the hospital. The last one worked and I went into labour within 24 hours. Speaking to your consultant sounds sensible, and I'd be inclined to push for one or more (I had six...).

At my hospital, they would also have given the option to try breaking my waters 12 days after my due date, rather than going straight for the ELCS (+12 days was the latest they would do). DS2 was born at +9 (DS1 had been +14, so I wanted to wait as long as possible). Good luck!

If I was to guess what the issue is I would say that they are worried that a sweep would set off an extended latent phase of labour which given they like to set 'time-limits' on VBAC labours may jeopardise your chances of giving birth vaginally.

Will they give you one at 40 weeks? To be honest unless your cervix if 'ripe' and your body is ready a sweep is unlikely to set labour proper off anyway.

Thanks everyone - someone else suggested I ask to get a VE and Bishops score done before I actually allow a sweep. That way if my score is favourable then the sweep might work but otherwise am as well sitting tight.

Why is it all so confusing when I am so hormonal and irrational?

I have never had a c-section but am consultant led this time as had a post partum haemmorage with my first baby. I have been offered a sweep. Am 3 days overdue so will be having the sweep sometime before my induction date on 22nd. I think you should ask a few more questions about why they don't want to do the sweep.

abigboydidit I am going to do the same and get a bishops score before having sweep as I know people who have a sweep, just get really bad period pains and it doesn't even make them go into labour.