Requesting sweep at 40 weeks

[Mamami]

Hi,

I'm now 38 weeks and have just spoken to my midwife about requesting a sweep at 40 weeks. She said they wouldn't offer me one until at least 41 week appt & probably let me go longer.

I'm in my 20's, healthy and there's nothing wrong with baby but following a previous loss I'm just completely stressed out and want this baby here. I know I'm being impatient but 40 weeks is full term and I know some older mothers etc. are offered a sweep routinely around this time. Is it really so bad to ask for one? Everything I've read said it won't work unless baby is primed to go anyway.

Sorry for the ramble. Mw has told me to go back on Friday to talk to consultant 'if I'm insistent' and I was just a bit shocked by her reaction.

Thanks.

Does the midwife understand why you are so stressed about this?

I think different areas have different rules. We did get sweeps pretty much on the dot of 40w, no idea why. The thing is that no, they don't really work unless everything is ready to go and some people can find them quite painful or invasive.

I'm sorry you're stressed about it, and it sounds possibly like your mw isn't listening to that. But I'm not sure a sweep would do a huge amount of good. Though do ask again if you want one.

look at NICE guidelines, I am sure they say that women should be offered sweep at 40 weeks-you can then show your mw x

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg70/chapter/guidance

look at section 1.3.1, it basically says if it's your first baby you should be offered sweep at 40 and 41 weeks appointment; if second baby at 41 weeks appointment x

to add, she is being insensitive and could do one. Read all the guidelines-you can even request induction at 40 weeks if you want x

Thank you all so much.

Channeling many more empowered mummy vibes.

Are you not consultant led if you have had a previous loss? It may be that she needs to have the consultants agreement in your circumstances as they would normally be in charge of your care.