What happens when you go overdue?

[PeggyL]

Hi, can anyone tell me what happens when you go overdue? My first child was early but the midwife is taking about inducing me but didn't explain what happens or the order of things or how long things take. She mentioned a sweep but I don't really know what that entails, do you have to stay in hospital, how long does it take and what happends if it doesn't work?! Sorry, really confused and feeling apprehensive now!

Hi Peggy

I had the sweep done with my dd, I was 6 days overdue at this point... it is basically like a smear the midwife "sweeps" her finger around the babys head breaking the membranes that are holding it in place, its a little uncomfortable but doesnt hurt i was found to be 2cm dilated when she perfomed the sweep so said it is likely that it will kick things off pretty quickly, luckily for me she was correct and within 10hrs of having it i was in established labour and my dd was born another 7hrs after that. I do know for some it doesnt work and in that case they may offer to try again, failing that you will be admitted to hopital where you will be hooked up to a drip containing hormones that should kick start things, again this sometimes doesnt work but usually does! it can take a matter of hours or days, just depends on how your body reacts to it! Hopefully this little monkey will make an appreance by themeselves and you wont need intervantion but even if you do there is nothing to worry about and you will have your little bundle safe and sound soon I hope! x

I went over twice. Here is my experience:
First thing that happens is a sense of anticlimax!
Then, you get really annoyed when everyone asks 59 million times a day if you have given brth yet!
Next, you see the MW who says "wait and see", and "baby will come when it is ready"! "You will have this baby tonight/tomorrow" might feature somewhere... pinch of salt required!
Then, desperation sets in. "Will this baby ever come out?" You may consider desperate action. Vindaloo, Rasperry leaf tea, SEX! None will help much but will give you something else to think about!
At this point the midwife might do a sweep. She will examine you internally, if your cervix feels right, she will insert her finger into your cervix and sweep it round the membranes. This will feel like she is unblocking a drain and might smart a bit!
You will consider taking castor oil around now. DONT! Its a VERY VERY BAD IDEA! Gives you very bad shits and can make baby pass meconium.
You will stop answering the phone, aand consider getting a T shirt printed saying "No I havent, now PIS OFF!"
Eventually, somewhere around 10days over, you will see a consultant.
He will also examine you, may attempt another sweep and book you for induction. He will attempt to say come back on day 14, at which point you will become very very scary, tell him your bag is in the waiting room and you are staying NOW, so find you a bed!
They will find you a bed, and administer a prostaglandin pessary into your cervix. Its uncomfortable, makes your cervix feel achey and slightly stabby, and then will probably wear off. It might take two or three attempts, but eventually the achey cervix becomes contractions and there you are...

Thanks for both your responses, I feel a lot clearer now, and cheered up as I was laughing out loud, had never even considered castor oil, sounds horrible! Well I'm 40 weeks this Friday, so you never know, might not come to that! x

Haha catpuss!
When were u due OP? i was due yesterday,had MW app today n she has booked me a bed at 42wks (although hoping things kick off before then) she said if she books it now il get an early bed n its nice to have an 'end' in sight...Im finding it hard to get my head around being induced as for sum reason thought im have an xmas baby! Good luck x