3rd sweep lucky?!

[83cky]

I'm 40 + 5 and have had 2 sweeps, both of which did diddly-squat! I have my 41 week midwife appointment on Saturday, where I have been given the option of a third sweep. Can't decide whether to have it or not - could it cause more harm than good?

I'm so uncomfortable and seriously fed up of hot curries!!

I'm in the same position as you. I had my first sweep on Monday and the second yesterday. I was told I was 1-2cm dilated and very thin cervix (very favourable).

I had the same symptoms both times- lots of cramping and back ache for a couple of hours, then lost a lot of my plug (the second time had lots of blood in it) then nothing...

I've been offered another one tomorrow but I'm unsure if it's worth it. Very curious to see if anyone had success with their third sweep.

If you aren't ready to go into labour having a sweep won't help.

Really a judgement call.
There is risk of membrane rupture (which if babies head isn't in the ideal presentation could cause increased risk of problems with birth) and small risk of infection. The research on membrane sweeps say that they are effective in inducing labour 'after 41 weeks' in about 25% of cases (watch the video on membrane stripping on the Evidence Based Birth YouTube channel or blog post) so perhaps once you're past 41 weeks it'll be more successful. Having it done can decrease your likelihood of being pressured towards a medical infection, if it works.