41+4 weeks. 2 sweeps, 1cm dilated

[lloydstacey]

Hi!

So I am 41+4 weeks pregnant and had my first sweep two days ago. I was 1cm dilated with a hard cervix (and it had to be pulled toward) I had cramping on and off with Braxton hicks and lower back ache which I'm still getting on and off. Had a second sweep this morning, still 1cm dilated with a short soft cervix this time (still had to be pulled forward again - so painful)
I'm feel so fed up and disappointed at the moment. I've been in discomfort for weeks now. I am due to be induced in two days time (which I don't really want!) I just wanted to hear some positive stories from anyone that has been in the same situation as me? I'm starting to lose hope now!

Stacey

Oh bless you, it’s just awful waiting 9 months to meet your baby and then having to wait another couple of weeks, it feels so unfair!
Remember that most babies come before 42 weeks, and you have a few days yet. Labour really could start at any time.
Try to put the induction date out of your head at the moment, and focus on relaxing (difficult I know, but your body is most likely to go into labour if you’re relaxed). You can refuse induction and opt for monitoring instead, it’s your baby and your body. You don’t have to agree to anything you don’t want, if you want to wait a few more days then you should be allowed.
I had my first at 11 days overdue, my second at 13 days overdue on the eve of her induction and my third was 15 days over and I was monitored on the 14th and 15th day and all was well. I did have pressure out on me but knew I carry my babies longer than others and that it would happen when baby was ready.
There’s a good Facebook Group called Ten Month Mamas which has lots of helpful information and statistics about going to 42 weeks and beyond, and is full of women who have been through it themselves.
Lots of love, it’s soo hard waiting for it to happen xxx

Oh no! It’s awful waiting isn’t it.
I’m 40+1 and had my first sweep this morning. I was also 1cm and Had constant period pain since. Really hoping it’s the start of labour and I go in tonight! Xxx

I was induced with my first. It was fine and nothing to be scared of. I didn't have an epidural because I didn't need one. Labour was seven hours and if my baby hadn't had an abnormal trace I could have gone in the pool. There's no reason labour will be bad or scary just because you need a bit of help to get going.
Also, the state of your cervix means nothing. Americans her cervix checks at all their later appointments (based on my extensive time spent reading American pregnancy forums) and can walk around at 3-4cm for weeks. With my second I went into labour naturally the day after an unsuccessful sweep. Progress stalled for hours at 4-5cm then baby popped out an hour after that.
Trust your body and your baby, baby will come when baby is ready.

Can you request a third sweep? That worked for me.

Have sex. Worked for me.
I had a sweep at 41 weeks and it was so painful and unpleasant (during and afterwards) that I declined after that.
I had acupuncture at about 41+2 which was lovely and relaxing but it didn't seem to do much.
I had sex at 41+3 in the evening, went into labour that night and gave birth at 41+4 in the morning.