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Childbirth

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

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Original poster

Haven't been offered a sweep before booking an induction

12 replies

littlestig · 19/03/2010 14:28

Hi I was wondering if there was anyone who could offer me some advice? My first baby is due today and have been to see my MW who has advised me not to have a sweep as it can be difficult to do on first timers and very rarely works. She has instead booked me in for 11 days time to be induced. Not really very keen on this as wanted to go into the MW led unit if possible.

Is there anyone else who has been advised this but went ahead with the sweep anyway, and was it successful? Any assistance greatly received!!

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ASecretLemonadeDrinker · 19/03/2010 14:32

I have had 2 sweeps - TBH I think it's worth a go. One with 1st baby didn't work, but I got going on just some gel (or tablet?) 'up there' (but unsure if you can have this in a MLU. My 2nd (with 2nd DS) worked though, as far as I know. I went into natural labour anyway within a day or so. If you are happy to have it done, unless I am missing something, it's worth a go Good luck

Original poster

littlestig · 19/03/2010 14:41

Thanks for the swift reply Asecretlemonadedrinker MW advised that with the 2nd sweeps tend to work better as the cervics is open moreCan't go into the MLU if induced so hoping that things progress over the next few days!

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MumNWLondon · 19/03/2010 15:09

I had a sweep with my first on my due date. I had a show & cramps that day and went into labour the next evening. I have no idea if it was connected.

Is there is any reason that you are being induced at 11 days late rather than 14? Most MLU let you in until 14 days late.

Why not call back and ask instead is you can have a sweep and monitoring at 40+11 and then induction 3 days later?

Anyway you'll probably go into labour in the next few days and it will all be irrelevant.

gingerkirsty · 19/03/2010 15:12

Hello, I had a sweep for my first baby when I was 41 weeks, which put me into labour that evening and I now have a gorgeous 4 week old!

I have heard that earlier sweeps are less effective. Sounds to me like your midwife isn't that convinced about her own abilities!

I think you certainly have nothing to lose - my sweep didn't even hurt and I was much happier not to have a chemical induction. Good luck, hope your baby is here soon!

Firawla · 19/03/2010 17:09

i agree with your midwife actually, i dont think there is a lot of point in sweeps with first babies mine didnt work, many other ppl i know didnt work and also they hurt so i dont feel its "worth it", but saying that if u do really want one u are allowed to request it, she cant forbid you from having it?
you do have 11 days so i wouldnt panic about the induction, its not necessarily going to go on that long, just try to do as much walking as possible and hope for the best?
but if you feel you really want the sweep maybe phone them back up and ask?
for my 2nd i declined the sweep because i had it with 1st and it hurt alot and didnt work so i thought i'd give it a miss. i was told if i change my mind and want to come and have it just phone up and let them know..

BexJ78 · 19/03/2010 21:56

I had a sweep at 41 weeks, went into labour following evening and DD was born the evening after that. She was my first DC. worked for me, but i suppose you never know if you would have gone into labour anyway...

biglips · 19/03/2010 22:01

usually the sweeps doesnt work with the first babies but it does for the second and so on babies.

Original poster

littlestig · 29/03/2010 13:16

Hi to all who replied to this your advice was much appreciated.

Hoorah sweep not required after all! After all of that worry about being induced I went in to labour on my own 2 days after my due date and now have a DD I can honestly say, and I know that this will sound strange to some, but I found that being in labour was one of the best experiences of my life and I actually enjoyed it!

Thanks again to all who offered their advice.

OP posts:

homebirthmummy · 29/03/2010 15:00

littlestig CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I am so pleased for you!

I absolutely don't think you're strange in your birth experience! Mine was wonderful too!

All that worry for nothing though, just makes you think doesn't it. (sorry, just my own reflections!)

Anyway, congratulations and well done!!!

Fibilou · 29/03/2010 18:55

I had a sweep with first baby at 40+9 - baby was born 2 days later. Not sure if this was de to sweep or not but would not discount it.

There is no way I would have had an induction without having that sweep (and I was booked for one 3 days after DD actually arrived)

Fibilou · 29/03/2010 18:57

And you can refuse induction at 40+11 - I did and am jolly grateful I did as she was born 1 day after she should have been induced (term + 10 here)

Normal "term" pregnancy is 38-42 weeks so you're not actually "overdue" until 42 weeks. No way was I having an induction just to suit their policies. Stick it out for 14 days - apparently only 3% of babies are born after 42 weeks if left to their own timetable

Fibilou · 29/03/2010 18:58

Sorry - just read thread !! Congratulations and I hope you are enjoying your DD

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