FTM - sweep at 40+6, would you wait?

[agteacht]

Hi all

I'm expecting my first baby and am now 40+4 by my scan dates although 40w on the dot based on dates of my last period (have always been slightly suspicious the scan has me dated too early!).

Anyway, was at the midwife today and am
now a bit stressed out.

They've booked me in for a sweep this Wednesday (40+6) and induction the following Monday (41+4).

The appointment today was all a little rushed and stressful as they were running 2 hours over... I asked for a later sweep and a later induction but it was 'computer says no' based on appointment availability.

The baby is fully engaged and very low, has been for a number of weeks. The midwife then said she thinks it might come by itself.

Based on this I feel like I want to try again to move the appointments - may have more luck phoning them, at least will get the induction moved back slightly.

Trying to decide what to do about the sweep. My husband asked me if it makes any difference whether it's this Wednesday or a couple of days later, as it's not a drastic measure. And I don't know the answer to that really, maybe I'm over-thinking this and having the sweep can do no harm?

For those of you who have had one (or chosen not to) - what do you think? Would you wait longer or just give it a whirl?

Thanks all

I would and will refuse my sweep and induction on those dates (no medical reason in my case)
My sweep last pregnancy hurt and did nothing. I already knew there is very little evidence that they work but midwife had booked me for an induction without asking so I accepted the sweep.
This time they know not to even mention induction talk until 42 weeks

I had a sweep at 40+2 with my first. Labour started 12 hours later, and he was born at 40+4. It was uncomfortable, but not painful, and the midwife was able to tell me that I was already two centimetres dilated... in your case, I'd accept a sweep, but the induction date seems a bit soon!

It's personal preference though, you have the right to decline anything you like. I also happen to think that if the baby's ready then a sweep might speed things up, but that it won't do anything if the timing isn't right, so nothing to loose.

Good luck!

Hi @Autumntoowet did you just have an overall bad experience last tine or did the sweep itself cause you problems?

Hi @summeryet thanks a lot for your advice. That's probably where my heads at now having thought about it some more, this morning I was just a bit overwhelmed by the whole situation and felt pushed into it which isn't right.

I was thinking I could go for the sweep on Wednesday and chat through with the midwife then - find out how dilated I am before she does it. From what I've read if the cervix is closed there's no point doing the sweep anyway so it would be good to have the check done. And then while I'm there get her to help me move the induction back by a few days regardless...

Sounds like you've got a plan! X

Just that it was very painful for me and it didn’t bring any benefits but your experience might be different

No advice on the sweep , as I refused them because I felt my body wasn't ready , all three of mine were very overdue so it's normal for me to go to 42 weeks.

Regarding the induction date though , I'd advise you to keep it as they will probably keep pushing it back. My induction happened 3 days after it was planned as they just couldn't fit me in.

Hi OP,

I've recently had a baby at 10 looong days overdue. At 40+4 (I think) I had to go in to hospital with reduced movements. Fortunately all was ok but the consultant repeatedly suggested inducing me there and then(!) because I was overdue. I politely declined though did consent to having a sweep. It was relatively painful but only for a moment. Unfortunately nothing happened afterwards other than some cramping. I was due to go for a second sweep the day after I spontaneously went into labour. Had I not gone into labour spontaneously I definitely would have accepted another sweep. If baby isn't ready a sweep might not do much, but if they are a sweep could help things along. Please absolutely don't be pushed into your induction date if it isn't what you want/ when you want. I stood my ground as I was similarly being offered a date I felt was too early. I wanted to do anything and everything I could to avoid induction and I'm so glad that I was able to! I'll never forget waking up at 3am and thinking yesssss I'm in labour!

P.S as the days were ticking by I did all of the cliches to try to get things moving - lots of bouncing on my birthing ball, out for long walks (we actually climbed what I can only describe as a small mountain at one point - glad it didn't happen there and then!), regular sex, lots of relaxation/ essential oils/ warm baths and so on

You can say no, don’t let them push you into doing things just so they can tick a box. I had constant pressure to have an induction which I researched and refused based on my opinion that it was unnecessary and likely to lead to further intervention, same with a sweep-I don’t know why they bother as the midwives said it had a success rate of 25-50%, she didn’t look too impressed when I said ‘so that’s a 50-75% failure rate then? 😆I point blank refused to have one. If you want to try and start labour apparently walking upstairs is the best thing!

@OvalCanvas that's interesting about being pushed back, that hadn't occurred to me!!

@Autumntoowet it's so difficult to judge isn't it. It sounds like you are doing the right thing though

@summeryet possibly, maybe, the start of one! Thanks for your advice x

@BHouse19 @Claphands you are both totally right, can't be pushed into this. I am definitely going to get the induction moved back a few days.

I've tried most of what you suggest! Stairs, curry, long walks, lots of cleaning!
I can't face sex but may have to 😂

I was booked in for a sweep at 41 weeks but ended up cancelling because when 41 weeks rolled around I went into labour naturally!

@firstimemamma that's the dream!!

I had a sweep at 37 weeks due to reduced movements and strong Braxton Hicks, midwife examined me and offered a sweep there and then, was 1-2 cm dilated, hurt a bit, but not unbearable. Then my due date rolled around and I had another one, by that point I would have said yes to anything, on this sweep I was 2-3cm dilated, she couldn't of stretch to four, waters were bulging and DD still hung in there until 40+5, which was the date my next sweep was booked, she arrived before that though :) for me I was happy to give it a go, it wasn't agony and although it didn't work for me, I felt there was no harm in trying.

That was meant to say she could stretch to 4cm on the second sweep

Thanks a lot @annlee3817

I'm going to have it tomorrow and see what happens.

They didn't do mine today :-( turns out you have to have it done at a local centre so they booked me in for Friday at 41 weeks exactly then a second sweep on Sunday. I'm very very worried about going more than 12 days over and after reading many many medical journals, pushed for an induction date for next Wednesday if all else fails (and have been given assurance that no matter what, induction process will start that day).

Sniffing Clary sage like mad but baby only 3/5 engaged so not feeling hopeful.