40+2 - would you have a sweep?

[Mirry71]

Baby seems hugely comfortable - no signs of coming out any time soon. I'm due to see the midwife on Weds and will be 40+2 then and wonder if she is likely offer me a sweep.
Not hugely keen on the idea - but not keen on being induced further down the line either.
What would you do MNers? Is a sweep a good idea or not?

I think it all depends on you and the position of your baby. If the babys head down and your all set to go, then a sweep might just give you a gentle push in the right direction. As far as I know a sweep is just a maybe it will work/maybe it wont option so if it works great but if it doesnt then maybe your not ready yet. Think it depends on you as well if your desperate to give birth (which I can understand) then the sweep might just help you along. Think your right about the induction, avoid it as long as you possibly can! Good luck x

Mirry my DS was waaay too comfortable. I had three sweeps before anything happened. he was born 40+17! I refused inducion, and opted for daily monitoring instead. TBH, the final sweep felt a lot more vigorous than the first two, so maybe that's why the last one worked. It's worth doing I think, you never know it might kickstart things for you.

Hi, I'm 40+2 today and had a sweep this morning. Was a complete waste of time as my cervix is still completely closed so the midwife couldn't do one properly. It all depends how ready your body is - mine obviously isn't ready yet!!

Got another booked for Friday when I will be 40+6. Then it will be induction next week, which I really don't want to happen so squeezing in as many sweeps as possible!

This is my second DS - first was 11 days late, following 3 sweeps!!

Good luck. x

I too had 3 sweeps with DC1 and nothing! Had one with DS and gave birth the next day but was already 2 cms when I had that one. No real harm in it is there?

Hi, Mirry, sweep will only work if cervix "favourable", ie open and soft enough to allow at least one finger in to do the sweep.
Having said that, it is one of the things that is likely to work, although not necessarily first time. Bear in mind 40 weeks is a bit of a guesstimate; in France a "normal" pregnancy is to 42 weeks.
I had 2 sweeps with DS3; first one did nothing, 2nd one at 41+5 was much more vigorous (ouch ) but did the trick. Personally, I would recommend it. (BTB, have had an induction with DS1 at 41+1, and that was not horrible either)
Hope all goes well for you and LO .

Im having the same dilemma at the mo (i was just about to start a thread, hope you dont mind if i join in ). I am 39+5 with DC3, since 25 weeks i have been suffering with Pelvic pain, the only way i can avoid it flaring up is to next to nothing!! (not easy with a 4&6 YO lol)which is driving me crackers!!, i feel like an i am 90!. I have also been suffering from really bad axiety, and combination of this and the pelvic pain means ive not slept right in weeks . I just dont know what to do?? I would be gutted if it didnt work and as i am not yet even 40 weeks im not sure if it would even work................ Oh the joys of pregnancy!

My MW has already offered to do one btw, she actually offered to try at 37 weeks.

hmm maybe posting this thread was the magic. Have just woken up to find (I think) a show - and a bit of waters breaking - trickle rather than a gush and some pinky streaks and what looked like a bit of old blood...No real contractions as yet though...

YAY!! Mirry it certainly sounds like the real deal fingers and toes are crossed for you keep us posted.

thank you! fingers crossed!

my ds was in ideal position for most of 3rd trimester, then at 40 + 5 days I had a sweep, then he turned and I had to deliver him back to back. Bloody painful. I've always been convinced the sweep turned him.

Any news Mirry? How are you?