Offered a sweep at 38 weeks, opinions?

[ftmtobe]

So at my 36 week appointment yesterday my midwife said I can have a sweep at my next appointment (38 weeks) if I would like. She explained what the sweep was and said I can decide on the day if I'd like it or not. I didn't think they done a sweep that early so hadn't even thought about it!

At my 34 week appointments baby's head was in my pelvis but yesterday she said only the tip was in so it must be going in and out, she explained the head would need to be in for her to carry out the sweep.

Just wondering peoples opinions on sweeps? Has anyone had one at 38 weeks and what was the result? Also how uncomfortable are they?

I have not had one, but was learning about all the different induction types at NCT and none sounded great. And not really needed until 41 weeks if baby is fine? Induction can cause a much more uncomfortable labour apparently, so maybe hold fire for a few weeks?

Why would you want to?

Had a sweep but it failed. Was 3 days late at the time, baby just didn't feel like coming out. Did help my show happen though.

If it's an early one, she has said you can turn it down. They should offer again at 40 weeks and at 41 weeks if you go over. It's entirely up to you.

Some women find them uncomfortable. Personally, I didn't. Didn't hurt, or if it did it didn't register for too long.

I had a sweep yesterday at 40 weeks; cervix still posterior although head engaged. It was uncomfortable and disappointing; midwives seem to like doing them but even if they are successful and can perform the membrane sweep they are only 24% likely to start labour within 48 hours (I think that's the stat!) I wouldn't have another.

My midwife said it's to hopefully prevent needing to be induced, just something to get the ball rolling?
I just think if the midwife is suggesting it and it's not going to cause any complications then why not? Even if it does nothing!

Hoping to get some more opinions and be confident in my decision by my appointment.

I wouldn’t at 38 weeks, assuming you are allowed to go towards 42 (that you have no other complications). I had a sweep at 38 weeks with my first, I think because I had a history of not feeling baby (anterior placenta) and had been having some early contractions. I can’t prove it, but I’m sure that was the start of a terrible labour. A few hours later my waters broke spectacularly and a couple of days later I was put on a drip. I ended up with a forceps delivery, a broken coccyx and a baby in neonatal because he wouldn’t breathe. I just think maybe he wasn’t ready and they should have left me be. I’d have another sweep a bit further along with another pregnancy but not so early

I've got my 36 week appointment tomorrow and if I'm offered the same will be declining (unless of course something has changed and there is a reason to try and speed things up). I'm a great believer in nature taking its course and so I'll not be asking for any intervention until at least 40 weeks. Good luck with whatever you decide x

Totally pointless. Spontaneous labour is likely to happen when baby is ready to be born so don't have someone rummaging around in you for no reason. Also, just enjoy these last few weeks. Enjoy them. It's a marathon, not a sprint

I had one at 38 weeks and had baby a couple days later 🤗! People are so negative about sweeps, and I agree they won't work unless you are ready anyway, but if that is something you want to try it is your body!
Also I'd like to add my labour was quick (1hr 30mins) and no pain relief, but that is probably just down to my body. So, don't get anxiety thinking sweeps cause bad labours or whatever. People have the labour they have.