To sweep or not to sweep......

[SHHHH]

Thats the question..!!!

Im 38 +1 and fed up, like the majority of women at this stage of pregnancy. I have sciatica, spd and I am huge. Luckily dh's contract finshes in a weeks time so he can be on hand to help with dd (19 months) as atm he's out working 6am-7/8pm and I have struggled.......

Now dd was 9lb 4oz and I am sure ds2b is going to be bigger, mw's won't committ to a size but agree he probably will be big.

Aftre promises of growth scans and inductions etc when I got to 38+ weeks the mw is now changing how things go..not surprised really, its a bit like being a donkey and having a carrott dangled in front of you when you are pregnant..well imo anyway.

At my mw appointment this week my mw suggested I go back in 2 weeks time when I will be 39 + 6 and she will do a membrane sweep to see if anything will kick labour off. She will also refer me to the mat unit which will prob be for the following mon (40 +5) who will then book an induction date, so if labour isn't within this time I am looking as a possible induction date at 41+..following me still..??!!!

Now dd was bang on time and a text book labour and birth etc and we so wish/hope this is the same...neither dh or I want me to go over 40 weeks, mainly because it worries me baby is big enough at 38 weeks so god help me at 42 weeks..also not confident going over term is good for me or baby with regards to placenta functions iykwim...

Pheeeww............so.........would you opt for a sweep at 39 +6...??? Or would you just ask to be referred for an induction date...? I know a sweep will only work if your body is ready but would you do it..??? What does it involve...? is it uncomfortable/painful..?

Advice/experiences appreciated although I am sure I will regret asking .

Im bracing myself...............go on then..........

oooh! right...well, keep us posted as to what you decide x

SHHH, have you talked to a consultant yet?

When I had DD (1 week over by the midwives dates, and 2 by mine -- mine were based on 12 week scan and theirs on 20 week scan so mine would be more accurate because earlier scans are more accurate), the midwives persuaded me to wait and wait and I didn't get to the consultant until I was 2 week overdue and I was a nervous wreck worrying about placenta deterioration. She (the consultant) gave me a sweep (ouch! Will never do that again) and offered to induce me that night. Of course it all went wrong because the cord was wrapped tightly around her neck... Idiots! Why did no one check that?

Anyway, I can sympathise with your worries. If I were you I'd make an appointment to see the GP ASAP and ask for a referral to a consultant now... not next week. And I would definately ask for a scan to check size. You have valid concerns and it doesn't sound like they are being addressed. And I'm now a tad paranoid about where the cord is so I'd ask to see that too.

Its bad uwila that they never seem to listen to us mums....doesn't mum know best..??

Well I have been told that ds2b is very well engaged so thats promising, so I guess there shouldn't be any concerns about the cord.

I saw a registra yesterday and as exected have been made to feel like a mad pregnant women. She declined to do a growth scan as she felt it wasn't necessary. She checked me over and agreed that baby is on the large size atm BUT commented that they are only concerned with small babies and not large ones.! She again like others beforehand said I had coped with dd at 9lb 4oz's and that I would be fine with ds2b, if there were any concerns they would be dealt with at the del/birth . Looking at my notes she noticed the only problem I had with dd was in delivering her shoulders...neither dh or I remembered it and tbh wish she hadn't mentioned it iykwim...more worry.

She said I measured right but maybe baby appears bigger as Im small..???
So basically they still would not induce me and would allow me to go to 41+5 before inducion although as I was not at my usual clinic yesterday I have been rebooked in for monday to speak direct to my consultant (who was brill with the pregnancy and birth with dd) about growth/size worries...tbh they don't want the pressure and want it to be dealt with by my consultant iykwim.

So..................I opted for a sweep which tbh I didn't find it to bad an experience. I was worried before BUT it was similar to a smear..uncomfortable but not enough for me to cling to the ceiling!! She admitted mw's can be rougher so didn't know what was best! There was blood loss and yesterday within 10 mins f the sweep I had vvvvvvv bad period pains. I now I should have encouraged labour by going home and walking etc BUT I personally found it uncomfortable after but then I am not a period pain sufferer. So I went to bed... I needed my tens but today I feel no different to before the sweep. There is still slight blood loss (Old) but nowt else. I believe if it is to work it will do so within 24/48 hours. The fact I feel ok today compared to yesterday, does that mean its not worked.?

Oh SHHHH, I'm sorry you are so miserable. I'm not expert on sweeps, and I'm also no expert on contractions. In two pregnancies the only one I've ever felt was after being induced with DD. And I wimped out and said I wanted to go down to delivery and get an epidural as soon as I experienced that. I didn't like it at all. I've never even had a braxton hicks (not that I noticed anyway).

So, how far are you now from 41 + 5?

It is probably good that the sweep wasn't too painful. I think it is more painful if your cervix isn't at all ready (as mine obviously wasn't). So the fact that it didn't bother you too much is a good sign. And of course being fully engaged is also good.

I'd say do as much walking as your SPD can tolerate so the head can get down and rest on your cervix and help set off labour.

thanks uwila. think i forgot to say, yesterday apparently my cervix was soft and supple and they were able to stretch it iykwim..!!! Also able to easliy insert 2 fingers and possibly 3 but reluctant to .!!! Obviosuly I know this isn't a sign of being in labour and being 2-3 cms dialated esp as I have had a baby before so probably that already but think its all a good sign that baby is getting ready..? Just hope he decides to come prior to an induction!

ATM I am 40 +1 so another 11 days left if he doesn't join us soon..!!!

Just been for a walk with dh and dd...now onto more pineapple and rlt.