Sweep today at 36+3 (early induction) - I think it's probably not worth it

[UnoriginalNN]

Looking for experiences or advice really. Will discuss with the midwives when I get to hospital later today obviously but am feeling really unsure right now.

Being induced next week due to complications of diabetes. Lots of monitoring between now and then. Consultant has booked me in for two sweeps - one today at 36+3 and one next week at 37. Induction set for 37+2.

I just don't think it's worth getting done, it's so early that I don't think it'll done anything apart from hurt! It's my second baby.

Any thoughts? I don't know if I'm overthinking things...

I was induced early at 39 weeks due to diabetes I had a sweep and 37 and two at 38 weeks wasn't ready at all so nothing happened I asked for the sweeps wasn't confident they would do anything but you never know and also I wanted to know if I had progressed at all from 37 to 38 iyswim the induction was fine though and only 5 hours once things got started , I would say you don't have to have a sweep and most midwifes say it only really works if your ready anyways good luck

Thanks laststop, sounds like it will be pretty pointless for me then!

From my experience of sweeps they didn't do anything for me when I had two and I was overdue, I can't see them doing anything earlier, if you're not ready they won't work I don't think.

I've decided not to have any with this baby as they seem pointless to me!

I've never had a sweep as my MW thought they were pointless till you were overdue.

I think it will just be uncomfortable for you. If you're willing to try then go for it, but personally I wouldn't bother.

I'd get drinking your tea tho, I can't remember what it's called, Raspberry? I know I got capsules from Holland and barratts as I didn't enjoy the drink. Anyway it's meant to help soften the cervix and make labour slightly easier. If you know it's happening soon might be worth starting th x

I had one at 37 weeks, I was 1cm dilated and cervix was soft and short, midwife was convinced I'd go into labour by the weekend as I was having loads of braxton hicks too, but I didn't pop until 40+5 in the end and that was following a very favourable sweep five days before. Hope it works for you though

Hmmm, thanks everyone. I really do think it's only worth it at 40+ weeks. I'm in for monitoring anyway later so will tell them what I'm thinking. The joys of early induction!

TBH if you're being induced you may as well have the sweeps, just to increased your chances of going into labour naturally or at least starting to ripen the cervix & make you more favourable when it's time for induction. Plus as a second time mum I'd expect a sweep to have a better chance of working than if it was your first baby.

I'd probably think the same as you in that situation. Can you ask your doctor for her views on the likelihood of it working? with your diabetes, I would not take capsules or specialties without clearing this with your consultant first.

I decided to go ahead and have it working on the logic that maybe it will help "soften" things up for the induction. Got a bishops score of 3 so obviously nowhere near ready but hey ho!