Sweep

[ct148]

I'm 41+2 with my second baby- just got back from my appointment with midwife.

An induction has been booked for me for next Monday when I'll be exactly 42 weeks. Don't know if its relevant but my son was born at 42 weeks. While I was at appointment midwife offered to give me a sweep and I accepted because I really would prefer not to be induced if possible. Anyway, it was bloody painful to say the least! She really struggled to reach my cervix so was trying for a while (she did manage in the end) and kept saying afterwards that it was a really difficult one. She's written in my notes 'cervix posterior'.

Does this mean I'm unlikely to go into labour naturally anytime soon? I had a relatively positive home birth with my son so being induced at hospital isn't what I'd like to happen ideally! But I'm just trying to get an idea of what to expect. All this uncertainty of when/if its all going to kick off is killing me!

Thanks! X

I had a failed sweep with DD2 (closed, posterior, couldn't do the sweep). DD2 was born that night!

I think that a lot of women who 'cook long' find that it happens again. All three of mine have been a similar amount 'over'.

How do you feel about induction at 42 weeks - are you happy to agree at that point or do you want to explore other options?

Thanks for the reply penguin, there's still hope for me then!

I'm not really completely OK with the whole induction idea if I'm honest - I tend to be of the opinion that babies come when they're ready. Maybe I should consider asking if I could go in to be monitored daily instead...

Also, after the shock and pain of the sweep I forgot to ask any questions about being induced.

Would my husband have to go home at night if it took a while to kick off properly? And then be called back?

Would I be allowed a water birth?

When being induced do they start you off on something relatively 'tame' to see if that works, then gradually try other things as needed?

Sorry if I sound a bit clueless. As I mentioned I had a home birth last time so this is all a bit new and daunting. Feeling a bit anxious about it if I'm honest.

I don't know masses about being induced. The most overdue I've got to is +13. That was with DC3.

However, at that point I wasn't happy to agree induction. It was my third child, I didn't think my scan dates were right (I put myself about +7) and my previous babies had come at at least +8. I had phrased it as 'delaying for a couple more days' to my MW and she was actually very supportive and willing to support a 'homebirth against medical advice' (which is what it technically would have been). I said I wasn't ruling out induction, but just that, based on my history, I thought we'd be doing it a bit early.

As I understand it, they will start with more gentle methods like breaking your waters and the pessary. Depending on hospital policy you may still be allowed to use water I think (wouldn't have applied in my area as the MLU had the pools, and induction cases were all in the CLU so I'm not sure). On the drip, obviously not.

You normally start induction on the ante natal ward, so yes, normal visiting hours. He'd be called back when things got going (something to think about if you laboured fast last time!)

There is definitely hope. I was in floods after my failed sweep that things would never kick off!