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Original poster

If you DIDN'T have stretch and sweep

27 replies

Alyssum34456 · 17/10/2019 08:59

When did baby come?

It seems routine these are offered now at 40 week appointment, even if that's a few days before 40 weeks exactly! I'm really not sure about them and have heard mixed reviews about whether they even work. I know some people who've had them (most people seem to accept them!), had terrible pain, then waters have broken and no contractions so been artificial induced anyway.

If you refused these interventions, what was your story? Thanks!

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CharlieSon · 17/10/2019 09:07

I was going to post the exact same question! I’m due a 40 week appointment today, no sign of baby and hoping to be offered a sweep but I think it’s usually nearer 41 weeks in my area

ColdRainAgain · 17/10/2019 09:20

DS1 39+6
DS2 40+0

Not sure that info is going to help you much tho. Sorry.

BeanBag7 · 17/10/2019 09:30

Mine was born at 38 weeks so was never offered a sweep. However I think I would have refused at 40 weeks - you are not yet overdue and I dont think artificially getting the process started is necessarily the right thing to do.

yadayadayesokay · 17/10/2019 09:36

I refused one and was 12 days overdue when i went into labour.

Original poster
Alyssum34456 · 17/10/2019 09:37

I agree @BeanBag7

OP posts:
SeptemberDaisies · 17/10/2019 09:38

I refused one at my 40 week appointment when I was 40+2 and went into labour naturally the next day.

Pinkflipflop85 · 17/10/2019 09:40

Didn't need one with baby 1 because I went into labour on due date.

With this baby I have had 2 already (am 39 weeks) because it is risky for me to go past due date.

paperplant · 17/10/2019 10:12

I would've refused at 40 weeks (and then reconsidered for 41) - but my waters broke (naturally / what they call "SROM - spontaneous rupture of membranes") at 39+4 and started contractions / labour at 39+6. They would've induced me within 24 hours of waters going but there was no room available.

Seeline · 17/10/2019 10:15

First one, labour started on due date.

Second one born at 40+12, was never offered a sweep. Was booked in for an induction the following day, but obviously didn't need that !

mistermagpie · 17/10/2019 12:20

I didn't have one because I was before my due date but I would definitely accept one this time. I am very paranoid about going ovedue as my friend who had an unexplained stillbirth was 41 weeks and obviously if the baby had been induced before that he would probably have survived. If I make it to 40 weeks this time (haven't in two previous pregnancies) I will push for induction.

Yeahthatthing · 17/10/2019 12:24

Both mine came early (38+1 and 37+4) but I'd have refused a sweep until they were talking about induction at 41 or 42 weeks.

Brown76 · 17/10/2019 12:35

Refused first time, born 41 weeks
Accepted second time, born 41 weeks

GreigLaidlawsbarofsoap · 17/10/2019 12:44

I saw my midwife on my 40 week due date but no mention of sweep. She just said to prepare for:think about induction if nothing had happened by 41 weeks. Had him naturally before 41 week date. I would have refused an intervention on my due date as so many babies are a few days over, it's not an exact science! And I really don't think it's best for Mum and baby to be forced along if no other risk factors are present.

Nousernameforme · 17/10/2019 12:54

I found them very painful and of not much use. Also every midwife has been a bit too fond of them imo a case of well if you are here anyway might as well give it a try.

RainbowTortoise · 17/10/2019 13:21

I never got to the stage of needing one with my first two (born at 40 weeks and 36 weeks). With my third, I was offered one whilst in labour at 2cm. I said no way, I don’t need one. Baby was born an hour later. I didn’t want to labour any faster!

IDrinkAndISewThings · 17/10/2019 13:31

First baby was two days late, second was 8 days late. I refused sweeps both times and had an induction date booked for baby two that I really want keen to attend. So I painted the front hall all day and he came that night!

Spam88 · 17/10/2019 14:25

I went into labour on my due date with my first so was never in a position to be offered one. In my area they don't offer until 41 weeks though, and the written information that's given to all pregnant woman states that this is because there's no evidence a sweep before you're 7 days over achieves anything.

zen1 · 17/10/2019 14:31

I had one with DC1 at 42 weeks as part of an induction and swore never again. DC2 was born 11 days late and DC3 was 10 days late. Looking back, I already had the signs of early labour when I had the sweep for DC1 and still regret it as I found it very painful and traumatising. That was 16 years ago.

MrFlibblesEyes · 17/10/2019 14:38

My due date was yesterday and the midwife did offer me a sweep but she pretty much said it would probably not work at only 40 weeks and tbh the baby is only 4/5 engaged so I doubt it would have had any effect if she'd tried. I have an induction booked for Tuesday however so if he didn't already have and eviction date looming I would have been more tempted!

Original poster
Alyssum34456 · 17/10/2019 14:44

@mistermagpie that's so sad!! Generally research shows that chance of stillbirth is still extremely low after 40 weeks and that there are quite a few risks with induction and forcing the baby out before they're ready. They normally monitor you continuously anyway after that!

OP posts:
RaspberryBubblegum · 17/10/2019 14:44

I don't think they offer them at 40 weeks anymore.
DD my waters went at 41 weeks (I wasn't offered one at 40 weeks) so I wasn't allowed one.
With DS I had two sweeps but I didn't have any cramps or bleeding following either of them. Luckily I went into labour the day I was meant to be induced so I escaped it 😅

coffeeaddiction · 17/10/2019 14:52

I was offered one at 39+5 said no , baby came 39+6

BarleyG · 18/10/2019 18:14

I had a sweep, it didn’t hurt or feel uncomfortable at all. It also didn’t work though Grin Baby came of her own accord at 41+2.

This time if I go overdue again I’ll accept a sweep as it’s really not a big deal to me

hlo91 · 18/10/2019 23:12

I had one today... 37+4

pooboobsleeprepeat · 18/10/2019 23:14

30+13
I had a vbac and did not want any interventions at all. Sweeps can lead to a cascade of intervention.