How many stretch and sweeps before induction??

4 replies

Louisa111 · 08/12/2016 16:02

My due date is today for second baby and although I've had lots of aches and pains for a week still nothing.
I've been offered a stretch and sweep at 40+4 and another 48 hours later. Just wondered if both these don't work what happens nxt?? Do they leave younger or plan an induction.
Just wondered as previously a consultant mentioned they wouldn't let me go too far over as I'm nearly 40 but the midwives don't seem
To be too concerned. I wasn't banking on a Xmas baby

OP posts:

nuggles · 08/12/2016 22:49

I had 5 s&s before my ds2 was born in September. I went over to 40+12 - I'm 35 and docs wanted to induce me but I refused and chose to be monitored instead.

Each sweep did make a difference :
sweep 1: 1cm dilated
Sweep 2: 3cm
Sweep 3: 5cm
Sweep 4: 6cm
Sweep 5 when midwife popped my waters.

I wanted to try everything I could to avoid an induction and believe the sweeps really helped, along with staying active. First few sweeps were unpleasant but after that I couldn't feel them.

Good luck!

MINIgiraffe · 09/12/2016 05:10

1st: No sweeps. Induced due to suspected SROM.
2nd: Spontaneous labour after the third sweep!
3rd: First sweep booked in for Monday!

lilydaisyrose · 09/12/2016 05:20

I'm due today Louisa (baby no. 3) and had a sweep on Tuesday at 39+4. I was 1cm dilated, cervix was soft but still needed to thin. I have another appt booked on Monday at 40+3 where I will request another sweep and another next weekend if no baby. I already know they will want to induce me at 40+10 (19th Dec) due to age & high BMI but am planning to refuse for a few days at least as I'm planning a home birth.

Keep us posted - good luck!!

Sierra259 · 09/12/2016 05:24

I was only going to be allowed to go to 41 weeks before induction with both pregnancies. With DC1 I had a sweep at. 40+1 and again at 40+5. My waters broke at 40+6, I went into labour naturally and they were born at 41 weeks exactly.

With DC2, I asked for a one at 39+4 then had another 2 before going into labour at 40+4. Gave birth about 15 hours later.

I had a fairly decent Bishop's score with both to start with though, do things were favourable for labour anyway.

Flip