sweeps

[Llouh]

I'm due tomorrow with my first baby. At my last midwife appointment on Wednesday the midwife booked me in for two more appointments and kept mentioning how she will see me on Monday for a sweep.

I was really looking to avoid sweeps until mid 41 weeks if it comes to that. I don't think I want a sweep on Monday (I'll be 40+2) but now she has offered it and booked it in I'm in two minds.

Basically shall I go for the sweep as it might work or shall I stick to my guns and refuse?

Worked for me at 40+4, had the sweep at 1.30pm, light contractions started at 8pm, went into hospital at 4pm next day, DS born at 9pm. Normal delivery except for forceps at the end as he was so big! I don't see the downside?!

I think their effectiveness really depends on how ready your body is. I had two and they dislodged my plug but nothing else.

I don't see why you shouldn't be able to see how you feel on Monday and decide then. Good luck!

You absolutely don't have to have one, simply because your MW thinks you will.

I was thinking about going for it because I'm pretty fed up with being pregnant but I've read that if your body isn't ready then they are pointless and just painful... I don't know I just think if it was painful and I'm not 100% sure then I'd just feel violated..

It seems like an unnecessary thing to do.. But yeah I will see how I feel on Monday that's a good idea.

You can turn them down, maybe see how you feel in a few days and cancel or delay it if you'd prefer.

If you reckon you'll feel violated I'd say don't do it. I found it very violating tbh, and mine was just as pessary was inserted for induction.

Just say no thanks if you don't want one. Your Mw won't care one way or the other.

I think the very limited evidence points to the likelihood that they might start things off before the baby is quite ready and in the optimal position resulting in a sooner but longer labour.

Had 3 for DS1 and 1 for DS2. Neither worked but I was so overdue and desperate.

Interested to know what you went for in the end and whether it's done anything for you? I'm in the same position, MW appt tomorrow and she wants to do a sweep (I'll be 40+6) but I'm not sure if I want one... I told her and explained my reasons and she said it's up to me at the end of the day, but it would give us an idea of whether I'm anywhere near... I just keep really hoping I'll go into labour before the appt tomorrow so I don't have to make a decision . Like you, I wonder if I'll just feel a bit violated, plus if baby's not ready then what good is it likely to do?

I had about six sweeps and none of them worked. I ended up 15 days overdue and had a section. You absolutely don't have to have one. There's something called the Bishop's Score which indicates how ready your body is for induction etc.. I was like -10 or something, so it was never going to work!

Thanks for all of your replies they have all been really helpful. It's good having different perspectives on these things, the appointments are so brief it's hard to feel totally informed.

I went to the appointment and didn't go for the sweep!

I asked the midwife about it and apparently it only works if your a day or two from labour anyway. Plus he is back to back so id rather get him moving before trying to get him out!

I'm happy with the decision. She said she only offered it because people pester her for it and she wouldn't actually advise one until 41 weeks.