38 weeks and I've had enough - can I ask for a sweep?

[monkeypuzzeltree]

So have my 38 week appointment this week, am struggling, baby is back to back which is crippling me, I'm just totally worn down. Looking at the appointment schedule, I don't see anyone after this until 41 weeks - I just don't want to go overdue as I did with DD and last time she arrived 48 hours after a sweep.

So do you think I can ask for a sweep at 39/40? Or is that a no no? Thanks!

Ooooh mpt!! I wondered what had happened to you and hoped everything was going well!! Sorry to hear you are fed up, and sadly can offer no good advice but have cake and a glass of milk if it helps

I doubt they'd do it at 38 weeks, but you could book your 41wk appointment for 40 wks, and they might do it then.

Would the hospital let me book in at 40 weeks? They are always keen to check dates when booking- guess ill have to beg!

Hi Clandy I know I kind of lost touch with the threads and then got out of the mn habit! Glad you're well, how long to go? As you can tell, I'm over it! My god it's different with a toddler in tow compared to last time!

They're unlikely to do the sweep unless your cervix is looking ready/ "ripe", because

1. It won't work- it'll only bring things on if your cervix is basically ready
2. There's always a risk that infection is introduced during the sweep (admittedly small) so they want to be sure that you're going to go into labour very soon afterwards. Some Obs won't do them at all for that reason.

Sorry you're feeling rubbish. I would call and ask for a 40 wk appt and a sweep on your due date.

I think it depends where you live. My MW said she couldn't do a sweep at my 39 week appointment last week but can do it at 40 weeks.

Don't you see your MW every week now? I've had to have weekly appts since 36 weeks.

I think it depends who you get. My mad community midwife nearly offered me one at 37+6 with dd2 because I was fed up (I had also told her I was feeling ill so obviously baby better in than out). The only thing that put her off was dd1 had been little and I was measuring smallish (She is very confident of the success of her sweeps btw , but she has 100% success rate with me as I went into labour with dd1 after one of her sweeps).

I requested one from the other midwife at 39+4, she wasnt keen but did it and it didnt work anyway.

My mw did a sweep for me at 40 weeks with second baby. She also told me its in nice guidelines for women to have it at 40 weeks with second.

That should read if the woman wants/requests it!

Thanks for the info ladies, seems I can have a sweep at 40 weeks. Where we live appts are every 2 weeks from 36 weeks if all is straight forward. It's hard enough to get in the book for those! Love London!

Aww not long though and all will be over! 2.2weeks left for me so not long after you also rather fed up having to work to 39.2 and feel ready to burst ad agree on much harder with toddler racing round can't wait for her to come out and to never have to be pg again