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Original poster

Booked in for a sweep this morning...

12 replies

avocadotoast · 18/05/2015 07:54

Can't decide whether to actually have it or not though Confused

The midwife I saw last time is different to the one I've seen through most of my pregnancy. I didn't really feel like she presented the sweep as a choice - my due date was Saturday and she was all "well we'll book you in for a sweep the Monday and again the Thursday if that doesn't work".

I'm still going to go to my appointment today but I think I might decline the sweep... It's not even been 48 hours from my due date and I've had a couple of niggles but nothing more.

I'm a bit worried that I might just end up going along with the sweep as I sometimes struggle to articulate myself in medical situations (which is not helpful). Just after a bit of hand holding really!

OP posts:
applecore0317 · 18/05/2015 08:02

If it helps, a sweep will do nothing if the baby isn't ready. I had an early sweep ten days ago, my cervix was soft, favourable and 1cm dilated and the sweep has done nothing. I'd happily have another though, but that's just me feeling fed up and wanting her to be here now.

lisaloulou84 · 18/05/2015 08:05

I had 4 sweeps, none of which worked, but they're not really a
big deal, just 30 seconds or so of uncomfortableness. It might help things along, it might not. I'd give it a go, if you hate it and it doesn't work, decline the others. If you're really lucky, it will work and baby might be here tomorrow!

lisaloulou84 · 18/05/2015 08:07

Agree with pp, it won't work if they're not ready so if you have a low bishops score you'll know you may have about more time to wait. I carried on with the sweeps as my bs was very high and was 3cm dilated

Original poster
avocadotoast · 18/05/2015 08:14

Ah see I was thinking of things the other way - more a "if baby isn't ready it won't work anyway, so I won't bother". Plus I don't know anyone they've worked for and anyone I've spoken to has said they just hurt.

Well... My appointment isn't for another couple of hours, so I still have a little time!

OP posts:
mumofmunchkin · 18/05/2015 08:19

If you have it, then if it hurts ask them to stop. I had one when I wasn't ready that hurt and didn't let them finish, a few days later things had softened up, I didn't feel a thing when they did the sweep and baby arrived pretty soon after :)

applecore0317 · 18/05/2015 08:23

I knew people it has worked for, it releases hormones that can start things off if the baby is ready. It was uncomfortable but I didn't find it painful, it all depends on how high up your cervix is and how favourable it is :)

rootypig · 18/05/2015 08:25

Don't have it. I had two, and apart from being hideously uncomfortable, I'm certain they contributed to the unbearably fast and painful start to my labour. I wouldn't make the same choice (ha, yeah right) again.

ishallnamehimsquishy · 18/05/2015 09:51

I'm declining a sweep this time. Had one for DC1 and it was annoying and uncomfortable and didn't help. I didn't need one for DC2 as had slightly early and fairly quick labour.

I'm just going to wait and see this time, even though I had similar "oh you can come in for a sweep on x date marked on my notes". I told the midwife at my 34 week appointment that I wouldn't bother having one.

Elledouble · 18/05/2015 09:55

I had two, and went into labour within 48hrs of the second one. Both times they were just offered though, I wasn't made to feel like I had to have them, it should be fine to say no.

feeona123 · 18/05/2015 09:59

My 3rd one worked, went into full blown labour 2 hours later!

totallygone · 18/05/2015 10:26

Midwife told me I would be offered one once I reach 40 weeks. They're not mandatory OP.

Original poster
avocadotoast · 18/05/2015 11:03

I ended up declining it - thanks for the advice everyone. I am booked in for one on Thurs though (so I'll be 40+5). Hopefully it won't be needed!

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