would you have a sweep tomorrow? (40+2)

[aroha77]

Midwife has offered it and I'm not sure.
My sister thinks I should go for it but she is pro-intervention cos she's a Dr! Also wants me to have it this week as she's on holiday next week!
My gut instinct is it feels a bit early? Don't want to start things off if body not ready. On other hand definitely want to avoid induction in hospital.
Can't find much evidence on pros vs cons.
Any opinions?
Thanks:)

Agreed OP, I wouldn't at all. I had a sweep with DC1 on my due date, and at 41weeks, and I am convinced it is what contributed to a labour that started so suddenly that I had no chance of coping with the pain (first contractions 2-3 minutes apart). Ie in the study you linked to, I felt it contributed to my epidural (which I fortunately got through with no further intervention).

Plus I just don't think it gave me the best perception of how I should approach the birth. It was a really painful intervention, basically. But I was worried about being induced at 40+10, which was my LA policy. No sense of my body being ready or knowing what it was doing.

Here's your link in linky form for others coming along
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000451.pub2/full

Livvy obviously my huge sample size of one shouldn't be taken for evidence. I'm a bit saddened to hear you had a longer latent labour with you non swept labour. I've been hoping to avoid it by not having sweeps this time round.

Haz my sample size of 1 says the opposite! two sweeps, and what felt like no latent labour at all

Thank you - thought I hadn't done the link right!

Haz - Maybe take comfort from the fact that long latent phases are most common first time round? Mine was 2 days of intense contractions (but not active labour) and no sleep with DC1, 12 hours of mildly uncomfortable with DC2 (through the day, then laboured overnight, so no sleep lost until actual labour) and 2-3 days of patchy contractions with DC3 (who you know about ), but patchy enough to rest and sleep.

I'm planning to have one tomorrow at 40+4 if favourable. I have been having lots of cramps etc so think that things could be starting though not quickly so would like to give it a try.

That is also good to hear Penguins I'm still six months off but somehow I'm already excited and nervous about giving birth again.

I'm booked in for one next week on my due date - but hopefully she'll come before then and I won't have to!