What should I be offered?

[Bellsx]

I'll be 40 weeks on Thursday with my second baby (she's 12) and I'm not due to see the midwife again until I'm 41 weeks so I'm just wondering if they can leave me that long before offering me anything to get things moving please?

Not really. Some places will offer a sweep from 40 weeks, but not all. Remember your ‘due’ anytime from 37-42 weeks so there’s no need to jump in with interventions at 40 weeks. You can always request a sweep and see what they say? But baby will come when it’s ready.

HOW EXCITING! So close .....What I have read is very effective is sex, however I do not know how I would feel about this at 40, starting to become uncomfortable at 32 weeks. If you have a male partner, the semen has a chemical (forgot what its called) that can help soften the cervix to get things going. However YOU SHOULDNT HAVE SEX ONCE WATER IS BROKEN. Anything that works to relax you, if your body releases oxytocin, this can help.
Note: not an official on this, just from all the research I have looked at during the last 6 months. GOOD LUCK!

@CookieSW Yes - Prostaglandins - the natural substance of what they give you during an induction to soften the cervix! The oxytocin from sex will also help, you’re right

Babies usually come when they’re ready. Any intervention increases risk of further intervention being necessary. Few would consider ‘starting things off’ until 40 plus 10.

Thank you all just wondering as I'm an older Mum (just turned 40) so didn't know if this changes if they do anything differently as I'm sure I read somewhere that they might offer you certain options from 40 weeks. May give the sex a try if we can get past the belly 😂 as I've tried walking, pineapple,curry and had no luck so far!