Can I request/beg for an induction?

[stroppyemotionalmess]

I’ve got my midwife appointment on Tuesday where I will be 40+1. I’ve had loads of signs that labour is imminent but that’s been ongoing since 36.5 weeks. I’m a stressed emotional wreck.

I know she mentioned at my last appointment possibly doing a sweep Tuesday but can I asked to be induced instead?

Do sweeps even work?

Be aware that inductions can often be the start of an intervention path that ends with an EMCS. You

I went to 40 + 2 and was induced. I had a couple if sweeps that didn't work but I think if you are showing signs of labour (I wasn't really) it may have more success. In your place I would have the sweep, chances are they will schedule an induction at this point for if the sweep doesn't work. X

Also I'm not going to share labour scare stories - I don't think may people love it however it starts, but I do wish labour had kicked off naturally and yes I ended up having an EMCS. Of course - worth all the pain when ds arrived, congrats on your impending arrival xx

You can ask but induction is stressful in itself and often takes a long time. Also induction is usually in two parts, drugs applied to your cervix to open it and then a transfer to a different area to break your waters and start a drip. I say usually as some women labour from the first part but that's more likely if you are over due or have had a baby before. I am a midwife and I feel like we agree to maternal request inductions without explaining that if we are busy with inductions it can be almost impossible to get to the top of the 'queue' for the second part. This is because some women will jump the queue by labouring and other will be found to be suitable for transfer for the second part and will be prioritised because the induction was started due to a risk to them and their baby if they wait on the antenatal ward / induction bay for too long. This is specific to the busy hospitals I have worked in but worth talking through with your midwife when having the discussion (as well as coping strategies for this part of pregnancy). There is some evidence for sweeps. Good luck!

I had an induction. No c-section but drip was terrible and I needed an epidural. I was in hospital on an induction list for 4 days before they got to me. 4 terrible, sleepless days. And that was at 40+10 with mild preeclampsia.
It's not a case of asking and getting. They need to do people in emergency situations first and they need space as you must be monitored throughout. If it's not medically necessary I'd wait.

I asked at 40+6 and was told no, not able to until 40+10.
It was quite probably the worst experience of my life and I would not rush for an induction if I were you. I don’t know if I’d even bother with a sweep again personally, but that is totally up to you.

My sweep worked at 40+2. Contractions kicked in the following morning. Baby here 18hours later with gas and air and a bit of diamorphine. Inductions are often long and painful. There is an increased risk of needing instrumental delivery. My trust would offer at 40+12. I wouldn't want to have induction unless I really needed it.

Thanks all!

I’ll see how the sweep goes and take it from there. I hope my conditions are favourable as I’ve been getting al the signs for ages so I’ll be a bit disheartened if not but nothing I can do really