SPD and early sweeps?!

[hannahj26]

Just wondering if anyone with severe SPD has ever been offered early sweeps (27w onwards)..

Do you mean to bring on labour? I doubt they'd want to do that at 27 weeks!

Yes. It's not something that ever crossed my mind, but I came across some old threads on here and read a lot of people talking about it. 27 weeks is probably early.. but I meant any time after that. I'm just curious and nosey really more than anything :)

27 weeks is considered full term so any time after then I'm interested to hear about.

37 weeks is full term. 27 weeks is potentially life-threatening for the baby

I had one at 38 weeks for a combination of spd and also wanting a vbac, which they wouldn't allow me over 40 weeks for. Consultant did it about 10am, in labour by 1pm, baby 6pm! I would say, the sweep itself was much more forceful feeling than ones I'd had in previous pregnancy, done by midwives. Not sure if that was why it worked and those ones didn't, or just coincidence.

I hope you mean 37 weeks... 27 weeks is far too early

Haha, baby brain! Yes! I meant 37 weeks 🤦‍♀️

Haha, baby brain! Yes! I meant 37 weeks 🤦‍♀️

I did from 36 wks. It was oked by a consultant. Did sweet FA but that's another story! Ended up being induced for it at 40+4 (previous pregnancy was induced at 40+14)

I was okay'd sweeps from 37 weeks due to a few medical issues (nothing serious) but midwives cannot okay this; a consultant at the assessment clinic must. I was told they won't sweep because of SPD but every practice has different rules on that.

However much I empathize with your agony (I have SPD at 38 weeks and can barely walk), a membrane sweep can only be done in the first place if your body is ready and only has a 1 in 4 chance of working. Even then, it might kick start labour which then stalls and you spend the next week in slow labour hoping things will pick up again.. my current sob story!

However there is no harm in discussing it with your midwife but be aware she cannot okay it herself. I really feel for you as SPD is a complete B.

It's not something I ever considered if I'm totally honest. I heard of it this morning then thought I would ask other people their experiences. I'm not sure how I feel about trying to bring labour on earlier than it's supposed to be either. I'm totally reluctant to be induced unless absolutely nessecary. But I appreciate hearing people's views, experiences etc so I can try and make a more informed decision if the situation was ever to arise :)
P.S, still can't believe how many times I put 27 weeks and not 37 weeks 🙈 fibro fog and baby brain is clearly doesn't mix well haha!

Haha I saw this post a few times and was reluctant to reply because it said 27 weeks!

It's always worth bringing up to your midwife/any consultant you see about the SPD, because as baby falls further into your pelvis it can make even sitting down agony. A lot of people will say 'it'll be over soon, just a few more weeks then it will go away' but the main worry for midwives is how SPD can affect you in labour - it can make even having an internal exam near-impossible if you cannot open your legs properly, and can you even imagine squatting to push baby out when you can barely widen your legs enough to pee?

It's always worth talking to your midwife, to see what they recommend.