Will my midwife sweep?

[ThorsMistress]

Hi all.

Seeing my midwife next week when I’ll be 39+4. What are the chances she’ll agree to a sweep? I’m in pain with my pelvis and feeling loads of pressure so would like one really!

Possibly. My MW refused until I was 40 weeks, and even then it didn't work.

If you tell her how you're feeling she will likely do an internal exam to determine at what point you are at. If all is well and baby is healthy etc there is a fair chance she'll agree to a sweep, although it often varies between midwives and practices. There is no harm in asking, especially as you are in alot of pain (and paracetamol really does f-all, doesn't it?) but I would really recommend reading up on sweeps first, just so you're aware of what you are asking for, what the risks and chance of success are.

I have seen too many people on this website complaining they agreed to a sweep then are furious that it broke their waters, or didn't work, or just caused more pain etc. Your baby will come when it wants to at this point; a sweep will not guarantee anything and might just put you in more discomfort or start a week of slow contractions and bleeding. Just be aware of these things before asking for it, as it's you that has to live with whatever outcome.

I hope all goes well, let us know!

I had a planned induction at 40 weeks... Midwife wouldn't do any sweeps before exactly 40 weeks without a note in my file from consultant!

They do it from 40 weeks here. I think I had about 4 with my last but none of them worked! In the end I was induced. I sympathise. I'm currently 37+2 and have had pgp and sciatica since 8 weeks and I have 2 older children who have me rushing around. By the time Friday comes I actually can't move at all. I have spent all weekend recovering while DH took over "duties" and now I'm back to it today. Have already asked the midwife for a sweep at 40 weeks and she said yes.

Maybe, but I'd maybe drop her a call beforehand to mention that's what you would like - just so she is prepared

From 40 weeks,I’m booked in Friday. Although I’ve been at the unit for reduced movements etc and they’ve unofficially done me sweeps I’ve had 2,but still nothing and I’ve lost all my plug xx

My midwife wouldn't on my first baby, but on the second one they did it the day before I was due as it was my second. Just ask them to do it, they may and may not but at least you asked. The sweep may not even work and you may still go two weeks over x

With my first I got one at 39+6. I didn’t ask but she offered and I took her up on it. DD arrived the following mor morning on her due date!

I had 4 sweeps with my 4th baby - still nothing!