Can you request a membrane sweep?

[MommaBee97]

I'm 40+1 weeks, and I have a MW appointment today. Baby is getting so heavy and uncomfortable to carry, without even mentioning the heat! I've been getting sharp sciatic pains down my legs and I've just had enough now. I had a sweep with my first and went into labour that same night, will they give you a membrane sweep if you request one?

I think it depends on your trust; some places do it at 41 weeks if it's your first (I think!?) and 40 for second and subsequent. I have an appointment next week when I will be 40+1 and I was told she would give me a sweep then. So I think you have a good chance of getting one today! Good luck!

Yeah agree it depends on trust, I can't see why not thought if you are over your due date, I saw my MW 2 weeks ago and she booked me in for a sweep in case I hadn't delivered, I'm due today and will be having said sweep on Friday so 40+2

I was just refused one at 40+1. Grrrr gutted want this baby out!!

It's frustrating how some people get offered it at an earlier stage or at bang on 40 weeks, it obviously isn't going to cause any harm to you or the baby so I don't see why they don't just offer it. I can only ask can't I!

You should definitely ask, though think a Dr has to authorise before 41 weeks in some areas. I had FIVE with DS2 due to DS1 being 16 days late and was still induced with DS2 at 9 days over! Good luck - the end is in sight

The earliest they'll do one where I am is at 41 weeks, I requested one at 40 and was refused.

I had one at 40+3 so you've got a good chance. Worth an ask anyway!
(Or if you've had your appointment I hope you got one!)

You can ask. I got one at 40weeks with ds3 as I was trying to avoid a c section(booked for 41 weeks). I think it depends on the situation.

I had one at 38+5 weeks but it was the registrar rather than the mw I was seeing.

Mine won’t do it before 41 weeks.

Seems it must very area dependant - I had one at 39+6 (my due date was a Saturday), first baby. I went into labour 5 days later, so I don't think it really started anything.

Hopefully it won't be much longer for you - with or without sweep.

I'm having my first sweep next week at 39+6 - I didn't ask for it, midwife said that it's the process if DD hasn't arrived by then.

@MommaBee97 a sweep can introduce infection into the vagina and it can break the amniotic sac causing your waters to go before they should. It's not true that it does no harm; it is unlikely but entirely possible. Also, not thought to be particularly effective unless you're about to go into labour anyway. I understand it's bloody miserable in late pregnancy, DD was born at 40+15 and DS was 40+1 but 11lb 7oz.

Fliss my son was 40+15 as well (and induced with a pessary after 3 or 4 sweeps that did precisely nothing. I think he planned to stay in forever!)

Good luck OP. I was pregnant last summer and that was hot and uncomfy enough; this must be truly hideous.

I am 38+6 today and mw tried a sweep today at my request. She said I was too posterior so no doing but has asked me to go back on Monday. Also suggested me and DH get some 'passion' as hormone in sperm helps to soften the cervix she mentions this every appt

I had one yesterday at exactly 39 weeks, but it was when I went in for reduced movements and also having had contractions since last Thursday. I was already 1cm when they did it but so far it's not made much difference!

I got refused for it. Your correct it is different areas! My midwife said she couldn't do it because of 'guidelines' but the town next to mine would do it at 40 weeks!