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Childbirth

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

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Original poster

40+1 weeks - unable to do sweep

11 replies

Jmarie123 · 01/11/2022 18:43

Hi everyone
I’ve just been for my 40 week appointment and my midwife was unable to perform a sweep as my cervix was completely closed. The midwife put in my notes as ‘long, uneffaced and closed’ and when I asked if it’s unlikely today to tomorrow she said she couldn’t see it happening. Booked for induction next Tuesday but feeling so uncomfortable and just ready for her to be born. Should I basically stop hoping for it to happen naturally?
so discouraged and feeling really low now.
baby is in good position and low so I was really hopeful going in and just feel let down.
would love to hear other experiences?

OP posts:

Sarahlouise86 · 02/11/2022 08:41

Hi @Jmarie123, didn't want to read and run!

I'm 40+8 (second DC) and in a slightly different situation to you in that I had an attempted sweep last week but due to pain it was more just a stretch! Due another one tomorrow and then my induction is booked for Friday. The midwife told me at my appointment last week that I was ready for labour and she could easily stretch my cervix and she would be surprised if I needed induction but almost a week later I'm still pregnant with no signs of baby wanting to arrive 🤷‍♀️

There is still a chance you may go into labour on your own before the induction, so never lose hope. Midwives can't predict everything. But I know the waiting can be so frustrating. Everyone telling me to walk up hills to get the baby out etc - I've done everything possible, she's not budging.

For my own sanity I've accepted that I will be having an induction to get this baby out (although I could just wait for her to come on her own but pregnancy is starting to take its toll on me now). Since accepting that in my head it's made my last few days pre induction a lot more relaxed.

So I know we are in different situations but I know how you feel. It's not what I wanted and I really wanted a spontaneous birth but I'm really starting to feel pregnant now so induction isn't looking so bad 😂

CristinaNov182 · 02/11/2022 09:52

My sister and SIL swear that it can help brig the birth about with long walks.
SIL did like 20,000 steps and went into labour, but she is very fit.
they both did it for all their children.
the idea as I understand it is to go for as long as you can, with breaks as you need, you should feel quite challenged.
I’m going to try this time as well, 20 weeks now.
hope it might help?
good luck

Toastoftheton · 02/11/2022 19:21

Just to say everyone is different. It's something like only 5% of babies are born on their due date. My mum, cousin and me all went over by 10 days exactly and everyone else was over too so clearly we just gestate a little longer. I know how hard it is, my pregnancy was awful and I just wanted it over but as everything was looking well with the baby I said no to any inductions until I was +12 because of the family history. i went into labour naturally +10 and had a great birth.

If induction is right for you or medically advised then absolutely go for it. What's most important is you feel in control. However there's nothing wrong with letting it cook a little longer if the baby is happy.

RandomMess · 02/11/2022 19:29

I was induced for all mine.

Even with my last at 42 weeks nowt was happening!!

2 pessaries and 11 hours later they were born. Official labour 1 minute just took 11 hours to get into labour.

ThisMustBeMyDream · 02/11/2022 19:32

I'm a midwife. I would have hoped the midwife would have reassured you that this is completely normal at 40 weeks, and does not mean you are not going to go in to labour! I always explain it is not a predictor of when labour will happen. I tell the women I care for that they could walk out of my room and have labour begin there and then.
Please don't worry. I really don't like doing sweeps and this is another of the reasons why. It can make you feel so demoralised.

CristinaNov182 · 02/11/2022 19:48

RandomMess · 02/11/2022 19:29

I was induced for all mine.

Even with my last at 42 weeks nowt was happening!!

2 pessaries and 11 hours later they were born. Official labour 1 minute just took 11 hours to get into labour.

What do you mean 1 minute labour? :))

did you dilate to 10 and pushed the baby out all in 1 min?

RandomMess · 02/11/2022 19:51

Midwives went

Oh 8cm, oh crowned, oh done.

So yep your body can get rather efficient once you are on 4+ babies 🤣

CristinaNov182 · 02/11/2022 19:56

RandomMess · 02/11/2022 19:51

Midwives went

Oh 8cm, oh crowned, oh done.

So yep your body can get rather efficient once you are on 4+ babies 🤣

My mum had 5 and said it never got easier or shorter :/

but in general I think it’s true

i hope for a easier 2nd time now

Ifiwasabird · 02/11/2022 19:57

At 40 weeks baby wasn't anywhere near engaged so midwife couldn't do a sweep for fear of cord prolapse. He was born naturally at 40+4 in the pool after only being in established labour for a few hours. I was walking lots, on my ball all the time, careful about how I was sitting (i.e. not reclining) but didn't do any of the old wives tales (raspberry leaf tea, curry etc)

RandomMess · 02/11/2022 20:02

@CristinaNov182 it still hurt full 10 or so hours and was in gas and air for the last 4!

I didn't push my body just did it.

mummytobe0210 · 02/11/2022 22:33

Jmarie123 · 01/11/2022 18:43

My midwife was unable to perform a sweep at 40+5 weeks as she couldn't even reach my cervix and booked me in for an induction on 41+3. Like you, I lost all hope of going naturally and was really gutted about it. Woke up at 4am day I was due to be induced as my waters had broke and I was in labour naturally! A lot can change in a few days... good luck!

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