40 week appointment. What happens and do I need one?

[GwendolineMaryLacedwithBrandy]

I was told to make one. Community mw is booked up, GP is booked up, hospital will only do 41 week appts. I was told I'd be offered a sweep at 40 weeks which I assume I now won't get. I'm a bit at sea because I've been told all the way through this pg that they wouldn't let me go over 40 weeks for various reasons including big baby, high fluid, possible gd, high bp.

They've now ruled out all of those except big baby and told me they won't induce until 40+12 so I feel a bit dumped tbh. Does this all sound normal?

I would be inclined to invent some appropriate malady and get myself to the MW or GP for further advice, bypassing bureaucracy for the sake of medical caution.

What about the different drop in midwife clinics in your area? They should be open next week, various locations near you, and they can always fit you in. I've been going to mine a lot for regular checks and also a sweep yesterday at 40+4.

You can have a sweep done at the clinic and it doesn't take longer than a standard check up. You should be offered 1 or 2 sweeps before the induction, which is a last resort.

I am expecting a big baby too but I don't think that's a reason for an early induction. 40+12/13 is the normal date if there are no complications - that's what I'm having if nothing happens soon.

HTH

As Xmasbaby said, I know that the surestart centres by mine have a midwife there each week, I'd suggest ringing round until you can get booked in with 1 of them.

Don't have any drop in centres to my knowledge but I will give the Maternal Assesment Unit a ring on Tuesday then (they were shut today). Will try Surestart if no joy there. No one I spoke to today seemed to think there was any big deal about me not having a 40 week check which is why I thought I'd better ask.

Thanks :) Be so glad when this is all over...