Induction when not ready for sweep

[backfromseoul]

My partner has attempted to have a sweep at 40+6 (yesterday) and also back at 38+2 (seems like a long time ago now!).

Both times she’s been told she’s nowhere near ready for a sweep so they’ve not proceeded. I think her Bishop score was whatever the minimum score is when they examined her yesterday.

She’s now booked in for an induction starting on Thursday (41+5). I know you can have an induction without a sweep but I’m wondering whether being that unready for the sweep is indicative of a long induction process, or an unplanned caesarean? I guess I’m just worrying too much.

It's natural to worry, bless you for being concerned for her!

I had a sweep at 39 weeks and then on my due date. Both times my cervix was closed and thick so she couldn't even do them. I was so upset! She then booked an induction for me for 41+1 but I was horrified at the thought - it's a major medical intervention, there's no guarantee the (sometimes more painful) pessary will work and then it's drip or section worse case (for me it was anyway, some people have great experiences which is good).

I lost my plug on the Monday of the induction week and then my labour started naturally on the day of the induction. So, basically, things can change very quickly so don't be too disheartened yet. Also remember that she doesn't have to consent to an induction, especially if there's no medical need for one. Have a look and a chat about the pros and cons of both and make a decision you both feel happy with, don't just feel forced into an induction if you don't feel 100% about it 🙂

Probably not the response you would like but I want to share my honest experience. I went in for a sweep at 39 weeks and midwife couldn't do it as my cervix was too high. She said I wasn't ready. However, she was concerned about my high blood pressure so I was induced on the very same day. I had my baby 2 days later via emergency c section as my labour was slow progressing and I just wasn't dialating quick enough.
Either way, the whole thing is so worth it when you have your baby in your arms.

Wishing you and your partner all the best!

hi i had a sweep when i was 39 weeks and sadly it didn't work but she did say i was about 1cm dilates and high still but the babies head was pushing down, nothing happened from it not even cramps, i was induced at term for reduced movements and i had two pessaries 1 for 24 hours and another one for 12 hours(these weren't pleasant) and then they were going to break my waters put me on the hormone drip etc but when i got there my waters broke on their own randomly and I had a 2 hour labour and i went from 1-7 cm probably less than an hour. mine was pretty positive and quick i've heard many taking ages and ending up in a c section but they're not all negative. good luck

I refused sweeps when I went overdue with my first and ended up being induced a day or two before 42 weeks. They tried to send my husband home because it was late at night and they said it would take ages.

I was far enough along to beg for an epidural during the night, finally got one in the morning, and had my daughter that evening. So less than 24 hours from induction to delivery. Not bad given that the first many hours were manageable and had I not been induced, would have been spent at home.

I think you can't predict it so just go with the flow. What will be, will be!

Does she want an induction?
Have they given a specific medical reason for the induction?
She can refuse.
I am certain that my due date was out by a week.