Stretch & Sweep Refused :(

[Littlemeandmine]

Hi all,

I'm 38 weeks and have requested a stretch and sweep from two midwives who have both said no until I'm 40+

I have horrendous piles which are getting worse and worse. Baby is fully engaged and a scan at the weekend showed he is already 8lb so no worries about his weight.

I was induced with high blood pressure with my first at 39 weeks and mine had slowly been raising towards the end. I don't understand why they won't just sweep me and let me have him now? I feel so ready and the pain in my back and pelvis is so strong because of how low he now is never mind my bleeding bum :(

Feeling so sad and deflated. X

That must be so frustrating, the days seem to go by so slowly by 38 weeks never mind with piles! I hope baby makes an arrival soon.

Could you ask again at your 39 week appointment?

I think that's what I'm going to do, request one at 39 weeks. I'm so exhausted from not sleeping and I have cried about 10 times today.

I've never had piles like this before and it's making me so nervous to go to the toilet :(

Most NHS Trusts have guidelines that midwives can not do them prior to 40 weeks unless under express instruction (documented in your handheld notes) by the obstetrician. The midwives aren't trying to be difficult - they would be in trouble if they did something against guidelines and it caused complications.
You would need a consultant appointment to discuss.

Additionally, if you haven't had a medical opinion on your piles/treatment, please do see your GP.

Poor thing that sounds horrible. You must be totally fed up and desperate to meet your new baby in person.

Defo see your gp. There’s probably some medication that will help and be totally safe for you to use during pregnancy.

I got horrendous piles the day before I went into labour. Don't suffer! I was prescribed an ointment that had a local anaesthetic in which helped (though I may have put on more than the dose suggested ).

As a PP has said, we midwives have guidelines and we aren't able to go against them for reasons such as this. Babies continue a lot of their neurological development into week 39 and so its not ideal to bring labour on earlier than this unless medically warranted. Unfortunately piles aren't an indication. You would need to see an Obstetrician to have one before 40 weeks.

Thanks for your replies everyone. I've woken up feeling less emotional today and I understand the midwives reasons - just frustrating.

Thank you again x

I feel your pain.. literally. I’m 35+4 and have had piles for ages now. I was prescribed stronger cream which has helped with pain but I know they won’t go till I’ve given birth. I am classed as high risk I have recto vagina endometriosis and I’ve been offered a sweep at 38 weeks.. perhaps it’s because of my endo.. my midwife will be doing it .. assuming she can reach. Must be really frustrating I hope your not waiting too long

So sorry - if it makes you feel any better even if they was to give you a sweep beforehand if your body isnt ready to go into labour it wont.

I know how awful these last few weeks are, I had 2 sweeps and fully expected to go into labour straight away both times. It's so frustrating and all you want is them here at this point!!