Stretch and sweep at 37 weeks

[mellongoose]

I'm only 16 weeks but have just been told that I have to have these from 37 weeks due to my 'advanced age'...I'm 42 and otherwise low risk.

I understand that this is a precaution and necessary to make sure baby arrives safely. If these don't work I have to be induced at 40 weeks in hospital. MLC is near my house, is where I had last baby 4 years ago etc.

My question is, how likely is a sweep at 37 weeks going to work? Is it going to be painful? Anything else I need to know? (Ok 3 questions!)

I'm lucky enough to have had things fairly straight forward up until now and to tell you the truth. I'm really nervous about this

You don't have to have the sweeps at all.
Not whatsoever and you're well within your right to say no.

In my experience and from what I have read it's basically pointless.
Even overdue sweeps aren't always likely to work, at 37 weeks I'd say the chance we very slim indeed.

With regards to if they hurt - yes they can. Sometimes they dont.
I find it depends on who is doing the sweep really.

Out of 4 sweeps I've had, only one of them hurt and it was basically just like period pain. Nothing horrendous.

You don’t have to agree to any procedure. It would be sensible though to read up about the risk levels associated with going overdue post-40 so you can make your own decision. I did and opted not to have a sweep until at least 41 weeks - which MW supported. But everyone is different when it comes to risk.

Ok that's reassuring thank you. I'll try not to think too much about it until nearer the time and then see how bubs is doing. 👍