strech and sweep at 40 + 1 ????

[MrsMc82]

Is this a bit early to be booked in for a sweep?

not necessarily. if you don't want it though you can decline :)

My next MW appointment is next week at 40+1 and she told me she's willing to do one. I'll probably ask how 'favourable' its looking as I think it's more uncomfortable and less successful if you're still clamped shut!

also interested in this - got an appt next week at 40+3... I think I'll do the same as jennimoo... but I don't really have a handle on the pros and cons...

Out of curiosity , do they give u gas and air when they do the stretch and sweep ?

My consultant is on about having a go at 38 weeks. For no particular reason that I'm aware of.

Think I will politely decline!

And no, there was no gas and air here when my MW had a go when I was overdue with DD.

No, no G&A. It's not that painful.

I had one at 40+3 and am pretty convinced it got things going, I delivered at 49+5. It was no different from a smear test in terms of 'comfort' - I'd highly recommend one!

49+5???

I don't like the idea that labour might be triggered before my baby is yet in the optimal position, nor the small risk of infection.

Mine hurt like hell and I don't think she actually managed to do it properly because I was really struggling to tolerate it.

I think it's one if those things that is more tolerable painwise if your cervix is favourable. And if it isn't, well then it doesn't do much anyway

Sorry 40+5!! One of those things that is different for everyone. I'm sure there are benefits and risks. Mine was 'very far back, not dilated, but soft' at the sweep. Good luck whatever you decide.

Am 39 + 3 and have been offered one at 40 + 2.

Am getting pre labour symptoms but no show yet. Am a bit reluctant tbh, though getting near frustrated stage having had cramps, and waves ofBH contractions stopping and starting all week. What does it actually achieve?

i actually found mine quite painful. very uncomfortable. this was at nearly 41 weeks with third baby, was already 3cm dilated!

definitely it varies from person to person as I know that not everyone finds it painful at all, but if def was for me.

if i'd known she was going to do it when she "examined" me I'd have declined, but that's a whole other thread

and i agree with starlight... when baby is ready then baby will come.

that's a bit wrong thisis. No one should carry out any procedure without your consent surely?

So wait and wait and wait is best...actually that is my hunch too but the waiting IS frustrating.

I found it uncomfortable but certainly not at all painful - a bit like a smear test. But I had a very good midwife doing them each time who said when she was about to start and kept talking as she was doing it how far round she was etc - felt very calm, breathed deeply. I also had DH with me each time, perhaps not for everyone but worked well having him there for me.

I was surprised to be offered one at 39+6 - I declined as I'm not even technically "overdue" yet but am not ruling it out in a week or so, say.

If I were you at 40+1, OP, I'd wait and see what happens naturally!

Had one at 40 mid day baby came very early morning ay 40+2

First time had one at 40+3, didn't work, another at 40+9 and went into labour 10hours later

Second time had one at 39+5 and went into labour 20hours later (mw was away the following week, we both really wanted her delivering, so shoot me)

If baby is ready it speeds things up, if labour hasn't started within 24hours it hasn't "worked"

I'd say do what feels right for you