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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Sweep booked for next week but baby still v high, is it less likely to work?

10 replies

toomanyshoes · 07/12/2007 13:40

I am 37 weeks with my second child and have gestational diabetes. The consultant is planning to give me a sweep next Friday and book me for induction 3 days later in case it doesn't work. However the babies head is still very high and I just wondered if anybody knew whether this would reduce the chances of the sweep working? Am presuming that without the pressure of the head on my cervix I am less likely to be getting ready down there?!
i know lots of second babies don't engage til labour in a 2nd pregnancy but just wondered if any of you have any experience of a sweep working when this is the case?

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Original poster

toomanyshoes · 07/12/2007 17:16

hopeful bump!

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TanE · 07/12/2007 18:05

I am in same situation as you 37wks+1 with 3rd baby and have gestational diabetes. As I'm diet controlled they are going to induce me at 40wks, if baby hasn't arrived by itself . Have been told they can start sweeps from 38wks and will try 3 before induction date. Like you also interested to know from others if sweeps work before due date?

Original poster

toomanyshoes · 07/12/2007 18:19

Hi TanE, I am diet controlled too. Did you have GD in your previous pregnancies? I had a really easy time with first birth (was v quick) and just got no idea what to expect with a sweep and early induction. I'm sure somebody knowledgable will be along in a bit to enlighten us!!

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TanE · 07/12/2007 21:10

Hi again,

I had easy quick births (55mins pushing 1st born & 5mins pushing for 2nd child)both boys over 9lb and no history of GD. Feel a bit like a first time mum as GD advice is so confusing. I have sweep booked for next week at 38wks - also not sure what to expect - lets hope someone in the big wide world of the internet can help!!!

camillathechicken · 07/12/2007 21:13

why are you being induced at 38 weeks ? if everything is ok and the GD is controlled, then surely you can hang on?

if head is high it means that baby might not be ready, or it might mean induction takes longer as the baby needs to press down on the cervix to get dilation going.......

also, if your cervix is not favourable, then induction can be a long and possibly unsuccesful road.

i would ask what your bishops score is when you have your sweep. sweeps tend to work if you would go into labour within 24 - 48 hours anyway.

camillathechicken · 07/12/2007 21:14

is it due to the size of baby?

Original poster

toomanyshoes · 07/12/2007 21:31

Thanks Camilla, I do have the choice of hanging on if i really want to but for various reasons have decided to go for the induction. I know that this increases my chances of intervention etc but have made my peace with that.
Have read up about bishops score so will definitely ask about that thanks.
Do you think the fact that neither of us is first time mums and we've both had quick and easy births in the past makes a sweep or induction more likely to suceed or is there no relation?
TanE - we should start our own little support group I have found so much conflicting advice and info on GD, has been pain in arse. Saw diabetes doc today and she said is vital to keep sugars level in labour so to pack ryvita and dry cereal as labour bag snacks - wheres the fun in that?! Am packing a bloody big galaxy for afterwards though!

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TanE · 07/12/2007 21:55

Diabetic chocolate from either Thorntons or Boots is okay and helps me when craving for chocolate .

As for conflicting advice I told my consultant no to induction before 40wks. Got told by a few people it could takes 3-4 days if baby high or cervix unfavourable, didn't fancy that so near christmas have my little boys to think about too. Think carefully about being induced at 38wks in case they decide to do cs if blood sugars go too high/low (you have your other child to consider too) + hospital food will not be great! My midwife said if getting induced pack a cooler bag with good food to maintain sugar levels - hopefully I'll have baby and won't need to worry - but worth a thought for you.

Original poster

toomanyshoes · 07/12/2007 22:12

Have tried the boots diabetic chocolate but gave me really bad upset tummy (actually tried it on 2 separate occasions and same reaction both times so i know it wasn't a coincidence) Not long to go without in the grand scheme of things I suppose.
Have been told they won't give me a section if sugars are unstable in labour, they will put me on insulin drip to stabilise instead so section would only be if failure to progress and baby distressed. I too am concerned about DD being without me at Xmas (makes me feel ridiculously sad actually, am terrified of going into spontaneous labour on xmas eve when she is in bed and her waking up on xmas morning to find me and DH missing and replaced by Grandma!) but feel my chances of being in over xmas are even higher if I just wait and see. All a bit of a gamble really...

OP posts:

liahgen · 07/12/2007 23:03

ladies,

A sweep is definately less likely to work if baby is too high. Your cervix is less likely to be favourable and so you could end up with a very long labour ending in section,
definately look at your bishops score, If you are being induced anyway, I wouldn't bother with the sweep, could make your uterus irretable. (sp)

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