Worried about sweep before Christmas...

[violetbean]

Hi all,

I'm due on 16th Dec. Today I was told by midwife that if I go overdue I'll be offered a sweep at 41 weeks (which will be 23rd Dec). She implied that this would be pretty important if I want to try for MLU birth, as it increases the chance of going into labour 'naturally' rather than being induced, which I think they would start at 41+4, i.e. Boxing Day (but likely to be 27th Dec as they wouldn't do a planned induction on a bank holiday)

I'm worried that if the sweep is done on 23rd and is successful, I'm likely to give birth either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, which I'm not that keen on!

So I'm wondering whether to just refuse the sweep, or whether to ask for it to be done earlier. Anyone have any thoughts on these options, or is there an alternative?

Thanks in advance!

Hi OP, I had a sweep at 39+5 and due my second tomorrow at 40+3 if you push her she may give you it, it just depends on the midwife I reckon, perhaps you can get a second opinion from another midwife?

Hope it all works out for you! Good luck x

One it is a long time between then and now,

is it your first?

MNers have lots of tips on how to get things going,

and if you are that over due, you will not care, you will just want to get it out,

and having a birthday Christmas fortnight is all the same anyway, so it will make little difference, long term, ( I have lots of tips on how to do a Christmas birthday)

Ooh thanks! Yep quote it is my first.

Could you share your Christmas birthday tips?

Good idea asking for second opinion, green, guess I can ask again when I get called to book for the MLU. Was the sweep really uncomfortable? Is it worth it?

Sweep was fine, didn't hurt and wasn't uncomfortable either I thought it was good, she was able to tell me that I am 2-3 cm dilated and she could feel baby's head, I think tomorrow's sweep will get things moving! Here's hoping anyway

it depends. I had a sweep at 40+2 with dd2 but they wouldn't give me one this time until 41 weeks.
Different hospitals/areas seem to have different policies.
Both worked within 12 hours though!

Neither hurt one bit nor did I have any bleeding,though I started to feel a bit unwell a couple of hours after which I.guess was pre labour.

I don't think sweeps have a hugely successful rate unless you are about to go into labour anyway. I think having birthdays around Christmas isn't great and it makes little difference whether it's the 22nd or 28th tbh.

Try and focus on the most important thing - a healthy baby and a straightforward as possilbe birth.

Good luck.

Thank you, good advice Glad to hear sweep wasn't too uncomfortable for you!