Do I want a sweep tomorrow?

[Supersesame]

I can't make up my mind!
This is DC2 and I'll be 39+6 tomorrow
I'm hoping for as natural and drug free as last time. So I don't want to be induced. I had DC1 at 40+8 and I'd rather not take so long this time.
I guess I'm hesitant as I don't know if a sweep is going to mean more likely intervention, waters breaking before their ready, etc.
Also, the midwife implied last week that I'd have a sweep to avoid being induced over Xmas. Yes, that would be nice, but at the same time I can't help thinking it's a little unnatural and the baby doesn't know it's Christmas.
I'm a little scared of the procedure too if I'm honest, maybe being irrational particularly if it helps me avoid induction which I'm probably more scared of.
Please someone tell me what to do!

Do they offer a sweep that early in your area? In mine it's 41 weeks plus.

Personally I hate internals and found my failed sweep excrutiating, so I wouldn't agree again. But I'm odd....

In terms of evidence, I don't think that there is much evidence that a sweep will start things off if they weren't 'nearly ready'. So If you are still over a week earlier than with your previous child, can they give you any indication how likely it is to work?

Well...I can't tell you what to do !!

But I had a sweep and it was a little uncomfortable but not frightening.

I was induced with both by children - one with a drip to speed up contractions.

I know it's supposed to be a " more painful" birth, however I have no comparison ...

I had two great births & two healthy babies!!

My first sweep just got rid of the plug, had no other effect.
The second, the next day, had no effect whatsoever.

I don't think it can do any harm, but IME if your body isn't ready, a sweep isn't going to do anything.
(My body REALLY wasnt ready, I was induced at 41weeks because oh high BP, but I think DS could have happily stayed in a bit longer!)

Thanks, OK you've swayed me in the for direction.
Yes I thought it sounded a bit early too. I'm guessing it's because Christmas is the week after and antenatal appointments are probably difficult to get on Christmas Eve/day.
I was thinking maybe I could ask them to see how ready my cervix is on examination and not to do anything if it's not open enough (or whatever the term is), and not to be over vigorous. I'll probably be laughed at but worth saying.

Sounds like you don't really feel happy to have a sweep now, op. And as others said its unlikely to do much as doesn't follow the pattern of your first child's gestation.
I would always question any type of intervention done for the hospital's convenience. Agreed, xmas is an irritation but if you needed to be induced between xmas and ny for example, there will definitely be professionals there to help! Docs are always on call regardless of time of year, thankfully!