Sweeps!

[imiss]

2nd time mum, last birth was pretty horrendous I believe because of the induction process. Ended up giving birth 42+4, 5 nights in hospital, 3 pessaries, 48 hours on the drip and still my body was not catching on. Not one non-synthetic contraction was had. I would like to avoid being induced this time if at all possible, although I know it can't be helped - currently 37+2 and willing the baby out. I've said to my midwife I want a sweep as early and frequent as possible and I've been told the earliest is 40 weeks exactly but I see on these boards a lot of women are getting them earlier than that - can anyone who had one prior to 40wks tell me if there was some sort of medical reason for it or have I just got a strict midwife?!

Also any other tips, am walking for hours a day, spicy food, pineapple, raspberry leaf, regular sex already..

They’re not allowed to do sweeps in the community until 40 weeks, but doctors can do earlier if there’s a reason.

Not quite the story you’ve asked for but hopefully reassuring for you - I was booked in for an induction at 41 weeks but desperate to avoid it so had 3 sweeps in the week before it: 40+1, 40+4 and 40+6. At my first sweep things looked totally unfavorable but it did kick start things (slowly) so that although I didn’t go into spontaneous labour I had dilated enough to not need the pessary for induction but jumped straight to having my waters broken. I was dreading induction but in fact because my body was almost ready (I’m sure due to the sweeps) it turned out to be very straightforward.

Thank you, that is reassuring. Honestly just want a normal birth experience this time of twinges, then contracting at home, waters going etc, not straight to a hospital bed. Packing my bag with snacks and tens machine and a solitary pair of pjs seems pointless considering last time I ended up with a suitcase load of stuff by leaving! I don't think my birth plan was read by anyone, music and oils stayed in the bag.. hoping for a better experience.

I am currently 40wks and have had 2 sweeps in the past 2 weeks. This was because I spoke to the consultant about my concerns re: studies which suggest more risk once you're over 40 wks with placenta break down etc plus as I've had IVF the risk increases slightly. Consultant agreed to induction and suggested 2 sweeps beforehand. A family member also requested induction for similar reasons having had a baby previously where placenta had already started breaking down at 40wks and dr agreed to induction before 40wks and a sweep. My sweeps were done in community.