To sweep or not to sweep?

[blankfornames]

Hi there, Bean is engaged and I'm 37+2. I've been offered a sweep at 38+6...should I go with it? I'm a first timer so unsure of what to do! Anyone has success with an early sweep? Thanks.

Is there a reason they have recommended you have a sweep early? I thought they normally did it beyond term, as I don't think it's likely to be successful unless your body is almost there anyway. Having said that, though, I would probably go for it! I'm 34+6 and as soon as I get to 37 weeks I'm going to be willing the baby to come out so anything which might help I would probably try!

I'd go for it, anything is better than induction!
Be prepared that it might not work though, I had 2 sweeps, 3 x gel, waters broken and the drip was the only thing that started contractions. Ended up with lots of intervention too

I had five, over two pregnancies, none of which 'worked', and they were all performed after 41 weeks. They are by nature very uncomfortable, so I feel if anything they might have delayed the onset of labour, as my body tensed up afterwards, despite me being quite relaxed during the procedure.

Unless there's a medical reason I can't see why you would have one so early.

I was offered one the day before my due date although I think MW knew I already didn't want one but she said they always offer it. I've just said I'd prefer to see how things go first.

At that early? No. It's highly unlikely to do anything other than be very uncomfortable. I had one at 38+4 due to fractured ribs from the baby's abnormally long legs and it did nothing but give me period cramp for 2 days. The one I had one day past due date worked a treat, though.

A sweep will only work if your body is moving in the right direction anyway eg your cervix is already thinning/effacing/dilating by itself.

A sweep worked for me, 5 hours later I had contractions. My cervix however was very ready.

jennifer86: I don't think it's likely to be successful unless your body is almost there anyway.. I agree with this. It's worth it if you are already having mild contractions, and there is a reason to hurry things along.

If they've offered you it defo take it. I would, nothing to lose if it doesn't work. Good luck x

It probably won't do anything tbh. Whenever I've had one at 38/39 it's never worked, untill just over due date then they work a treat!
Your body really has to be ready. All that will happen is you'll b uncomfortable for a while and be losing some mucous/show. (Speaking from experience, I'm
38wks with no.5!)
But it's up to you if you want to give it a go. See how you feel.
Good luck

Thanks ladies for all your responses. I might go for reflexology beforehand and see if she thinks I'm anyway ready. If so then I'll go for it.
Thanks!