Stretch and sweep before due date?

[forevercurious]

As I approach my due date I was just wondering if it’s possible to request a stretch and sweep before your due date? I know they offer them at 40 weeks but if requested could I have one before? There is no medical need as such other than I’m done being pregnant & I'm terrified of going over due!

Talk to your midwife. Mine did not want me to go overdue (I am older though so there are higher risks of going over) and I had sweeps with both pregnancies at 39 weeks.

In my experience they didn’t want me to go over so were very happy to do them - it was the hospital who suggested I have them.

But also I’d look at why you are so scared of going overdue? It’s very common, especially with your first (if this is?)

I never got offered one with my 1st but I went 9 days early anyway but with my 2nd they offered to do one at around 38 weeks.. So there is no harm in asking x

In my trust they won’t do them without a medical reason unless you’re 40 weeks plus. I had my 40 week appt at 39+6 and my midwife wouldn’t bend the rules as it would get picked up on in hospital!

I was also terrified of going overdue as my husband was starting a new job 10 days after my due date and couldn’t take time off - I went into labour at 40+1 and delivered at 40+2. Speak to your midwife and hopefully they can put your mind at rest and give you info on ways to bring labour on naturally.

I don't think sweeps are particularly well known for being effective. What I've read about them is that if you are very near natural Labour they can help, but otherwise theyre a waste of time. I doubt you'll get a sweep to be honest before 40 weeks.

They generally won't offer you one before tour due date, unless there is a medical reason. I also think sweeps only work when your body is ready for labour anyway, for example mine worked but I was already 1/2 cm dilated so I think it probably only brought labour on a day sooner anyway. I have friends that have had multiple sweeps and they just didn't work as they were dilated at all xx