Sweep/Internal

[edd]

I am 36 wks pregnant after 6 m/c and my mw told me today if there was nothing doing at 38+ wks they would do a sweep due to my history. I had internals done so what is the difference in having a sweep, I feel stupid asking this question but it has never been an option for me before, would appreciate any advise please, as I am quite scared.

Don't be scared, it's fine. I had a few on the run up to ds3's birth and one before I had ds1. It's just like having a normal internal but the mw runs her finger around your cervix to stimulate it. Hmmm, not sure that's right now I've written it, hopefully Mears will see this as I know she's on tonight!

Nothing to worry about though but also you don't have to consent if you don't want to. There is no guarantee you'll go into labour.

edd - a sweep is the first step in trying to get you to go into labour. As Gobbledigook says, the midwife runs her finger round the inside of the cervix to try and peel them membranes off the inside which in turn produces a hormone response that will trigger labour.

I have to say that it isn't likely to work at 38 weeks. I do not see why you should need induced at 38 weeks even with your history. A sweep can cause a lot of uncomfortable tightenings which can make you think you are going into labour when you are not.

If your baby is growing well, I would leave it alone for a couple of weeks longer. The midwife cannot do a sweep without consent.

Mears - that's what happened with me on the week running up to ds3's birth. I had about 3 sweeps and each day I just got lots of painful tightenings and cramps and a bit of bleeding but didn't go into labour. It was a pretty miserable week that actually. Don't you think people will just go into labour when they are ready?

Yes I do

Instead of getting stressed about trying to get into labour, I think it is far better to make good use of the time that is left without a demanding baby.

Hi, thanks girls for your replies, I intend to leave well enough alone and not consent to a sweep, when my baby is ready it will come and i will take your advise mears and enjoy the last few weeks relaxing before my little one does decide to be born. Thanks again.

Good call Edd - good luck! Will look forward to your announcement!