Midwife refused to do sweep at 41 weeks

[user1493721527]

Been to my midwife appointment today, I'm 41 weeks exactly, I was told last week that when I went in today they would do a sweep but when I got there that wasn't the case, the midwife refused to do it as she said babies head wasn't engaged enough? Has anyone else had this or have I just been palmed of??

Pardon the pun

No she was just being safe. I had a similar experience.

Yes if the heads too high they won't sweep - as they're interfering there's a chance the waters could break and the cord could come down and get squashed.

As mentioned, i was a midwife and it's because if the head isn't engaged the cord can fall in front of the head, causing it to spasm and also be compressed by the head. If this happens you have minutes to get the baby out. Hope that helps

Thank you for all your replies I just wondered if it was normal or not, but yes that definitely makes sense thank you

Yes this happened to me too but I went back a day later and baby's head was engaged. Had a successful sweep and he was born that evening!

I had the same with my first. Expected a sweep at dead on 41 and didnt get it. Assumed it would mean I was in it for the long run but went in to labour naturally 41+2. Good luck!

Same happened to me.

I know how frustrating and disheartened it is waiting for that baby to come though. Just think you've got one more week and it will be here!

How was left with midwife for next steps?

I think what is so hard OP is that when you're overdue you clutch onto every little ray of hope. What would be better is if midwives said "if I can, or if it's safe, then we'll do a sweep", otherwise you think it's a sure thing.

I sympathise I was 10 days and 15 days late with my two and it was utter torture.