Refused a sweep. Is this normal?

[MrsThomson84]

I'm currently 38 +2 with my first, at my midwife appointment today baby was head down but not engaged. I asked what would happen with helping things getting moving ie when will I have a sweep? With baby not dropping i feel like I'll be going over so wanted to discuss option as would like to avoid a full induction (I'm bouncing away on my ball to try encurage baby down) The midwife said she doesn't do sweeps as she doesn't like them. So she will see me again at 40 +3 and at that point book me in for an induction at 41+1, she won't do a sweep even if baby has engaged by then. I asked her what she ment by induction and she said they may start with a sweep but it would be a go in and stay in till baby arrives. Is this normal? Any advice or experience would be appreciated.

www.rcm.org.uk/news-views-and-analysis/analysis/how-to…-perform-a-stretch-and-sweep This is quite helpful in terms of guidelines but I don't think that specific midwife is obliged to do it before 41 weeks or at all. Nice guidelines are a basis for the local protocol but not mandatory. I'd phone your community midwifery team and ask to speak to the head midwife to ascertain the local protocol and see if another midwife will do it if the need arises.

Thanks. Think I'll call the supervisor of midwives tomorrow. I've been really calm about it till now, always thought I'd go over due and I'm in no rush for baby to arrive (other then been super excited) but after today I'm filled with dread about been induced. I know I can say no but I suddenly feel like it's going to be my only choice.

You don't have to be induced at any point, you can choose expectant management. Try not to let it bother you too much, baby will come when ready and that can be whenever now!

I avoided induction but ended up on the drip anyway as my sweep caused my waters to go but labour to start 24 hours later and then tailed off. Your body, your choice.

I had a sweep offered at exactly 40 weeks but declined. Had a sweep at 41+1 (baby born 41+2).

My induction was booked at the 40 week appointment for 41+3 (so glad the sweep worked as I did not want to be induced)

Would definitely take it further if she is refusing a sweep on/after your due date.