Failed sweep at 40+3

[xTinkerbell]

Was booked in for a sweep this morning but midwife was unable to do it. Said she could feel babies head, cervix was starting to thin but very far back and completely closed.

Booked for another sweep for a week from today then induction 3 days later. Really hoping not to be induced and I know it’s 10 days but I just feel disheartened after that appointment like labour is unlikely to happen without needing an induction and midwife kind of sounded that way too.

Suppose I’m just looking to see if anyone had a failed sweep and later went into labour or even those who didn’t have a sweep when did you go into labour with your first?

My first came 4 days early so didn't need a sweep but I did get induced with him as my water ruptured, but my second was 13 days overdue! I got a sweep on the Sunday and it was agony! Said the same things to me and I was so disheartened was offered another one on the Wednesday Baby was born that night 😊

Don't be disheartened, I went for a sweep at 40 weeks exactly that didn't happen as cervix fully closed. I was in labour before 24 hours were up & ds was here 5 hours after that!

Just becuase she couldn't do the sweep doesn't mean things won't progress naturally itself soon.

Thank you, I’ve been just plodding a long not bothered by dates and today I just feel so emotional. The multiple texts everyday asking if there’s any sign of baby probably doesn’t help. The thing with the sweep is, I wasn’t even holding out any hope she’d manage it but still for some reason the second she started talking induction like it was my most likely option I just got really emotional. Needed a little bit of hope that baby might get a move on by themselves because j felt a bit like hope was lost earlier so thank you both for sharing your experiences :)

Sweeps are actually not that useful tbh if you look at the statistics. I know it’s frustrating but please don’t be downhearted about it. Lots of long walks if you can, bounce on your ball when you can and boxset Netflix ❤️

I had a failed sweep that sounded almost like yours... midwife couldn't reach. Labour started the next morning and he was born in the evening!

With my first I had my sweep at 39+5 and went into labour at 40w bang on. With my second I drank castor oil and was in slow labour, went to hospital, had a sweep & she was here about 4 hours after

I'm 40+4 tomorrow and hoping for a sweep..know exactly how you feel re messages. We've put out a blanket rather blunt message that people will be informed of babies arrival and labour details are not for sharing!

Please don't try caster oil it can kill your baby!!!

@anitagreen that sounds a little dramatic, do you have some evidence to back up your statement?

@xTinkerbell I know how you feel! I’m 41 weeks tomorrow and was only 3/5 engaged when I saw the midwife at 40+1. Next appointment is Wednesday at 41+1 and she said she will do a sweep but I’m nervous my body still won’t be ready for it, I also really want to avoid induction if possible. I’m glad baby is happy in there but getting fed up of the multiple messages per day telling me to eat a hot curry!

There's plenty online on how caster oil can cause your baby to poo inside you inhale it and become distressed and if not discovered in time can seriously harm your baby .
We was told it when I was pregnant with my first about going overdue what you shouldn't do to bring on labour It doesn't even bring on labour it causes you to shit through the eye of a needle.
I cba to google facts but no pregnancy site would ever recommend it, infact our hospital has posters up warning you what it can do I'm guessing because people still use it. It's ridiculous.

I don't even think a shop would sell you it if they see you was heavily pregnant people used it mainly in the 60s and 70s when there wasn't much information around

I’ve had a sweep today too. I’m 40+5. She said she got through to the cervix and it was short and thin, but couldn’t feel baby’s head even though he’s very low down

Haven’t had any bleeding or anything since so I’m going to give up and assume it didn’t work.

Fingers crossed for us both - I’m fed up too! X

@anitagreen well my midwife said it was fine in small doses mixed with orange juice & said if babies are pooing and inhaling it's just by chance. There's waaay more stories out there that are successful then not. And my baby was just fine

@CL1982 I did wonder how effective they actually were. I think the whole 'completely closed, too far back' thing in general just felt so disheartening. Like nothing would happen anytime soon, sweep or otherwise. I'm trying to just take it all as it comes now. Walks, bouncing and netflix is now my plan.

@3rdtimelucky2019 I hope your sweep goes well! I had to get my mum to message some family members yesterday telling them I didn't want to talk etc. my cousin responded by face timing me!

@MrsS7 hopefully your body is ready for the sweep on Wednesday! Let me know how you get on. Ugh the texts, so annoying.

@bobble53 midwife said to me 24-48 hours for a successful sweep so I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that it happens or that baby decides to come themselves!

Oh OP it's so disheartening, you've got time though!

I'm due vv soon and the texts are crazy. I've got a consultant appointment at 40 weeks. My community midwife doesn't want to see me til I give birth now so I feel a bit like I'm in the dark about everything. Just hoping baby comes soon and I don't need a C section.

Fingers crossed to you!

Still here and more fed up :( definitely don’t have my hopes up for the sweep on Monday..certain I’m going to end up induced

Any movement?

@headsaway123 nothing at all! Back at midwife tomorrow and she’ll try another sweep but I’m not getting my hopes up

Aww I feel for you! I went nearly two weeks overdue and it's the longest part of pregnancy but keep your chin up and try and fill your days with other things. What I done was focused on my date I was going to be induced and then if baby came before then it was a bonus!

Fingers crossed for tomorrow @xTinkerbell! I’m 41 weeks today, had a sweep last Monday and Wednesday and a third tomorrow with induction booked for Friday so I know how you feel! Really want baby to come before then, I feel like we have been ready for her for weeks and weeks now!

Both of mine came at 40+6 naturally. Was due to have a sweep the next day. Good luck it won't be long now x

Midwife managed the sweep today though she had to pull cervix forwards. 1cm dilated but she managed to stretch it to 2. Quite a bit of bloody discharge at the time and a bit of backache but nothing since. Not expecting anything but feel better that she managed to give it a go. At least I know I gave it a try. She’s told me to keep active - walk, bounce on the ball and go up and down stairs sideways. I’m exhausted though after an awful sleep last night so that isn’t easy.

@headsaway123 that’s the way I’m looking at it now. Assuming induction Thursday and if baby comes before then that’s good.

@SilentAlarm hope sweep went well. Your due for induction day after me!

That sounds promising I think?! I’ve not had any bleeding after any sweep which I’m taking as a bad sign (although really I have no idea what I’m talking about!!) I was still just 1cm dilated today so no change from last sweep on Wednesday. Currently sat in Tesco’s car park whilst my boyfriend gets curry and pineapple for dinner! Pulling out all the stops tonight, might even resort to sex!!

I'm 40+3 and just had a failed sweep today. She's booked another one for Thursday and hopefully that will be more successful. In the meantime I've booked in for a session of acupuncture as I heard that can help? Desperate for this baby to be born this side of Christmas!