Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Stretch and sweep before due date?

5 replies

forevercurious · 20/11/2019 06:49

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!

OP posts:
newmumwithquestions · 20/11/2019 07:06

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?)

Boymummy3 · 20/11/2019 21:40

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

afternoontwee · 20/11/2019 22:23

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.

Rubyroost · 20/11/2019 22:24

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.

sarahc336 · 20/11/2019 22:26

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

New posts on this thread. Refresh page