Second sweep at 40 + 3 - unsuccessful :(

[KiraCeleste]

Hi ladies,

I’m sure you’ve read so many posts like this before, but here goes! Had my first sweep at my 40 week appointment 3 days ago and was told it was not possible as my cervix was still hard and far back, however it did admit a finger and MW could feel baby’s head. He’s engaged (1/5) according to notes.

Had some BH type contractions and blood over the last few days, before second sweep today. MW said cervix was softer and there was some effacement, but she couldn’t perform a full sweep as it was still only admitting one finger

Has anyone had a similar experience but gone into natural labour? I’ve got an induction booked for next week, but as you’d guess I’m keen to avoid this as much as poss!

Yes this happened to me- I went into labour naturally at 41+3. You're only 40+3. You've got another week or so before they will want to induce you if that's what you're concerned about?

I did find it disappointing that the NHS doesn't wait until 42 weeks..... they should. Maybe with increased monitoring

Sweeps don't work. I've said before in MN. If they worked my children wouldn't all be born at nearly 42 weeks. With 3 kids I lost count of how many sweeps

Yeah, I’ve got one booked for next Wednesday, although I suppose I can delay it if I feel any closer. I’m not enjoying being pregnant much at the moment though, so may just go for it if baby still hasn’t arrived!

I had 2 sweeps with dd2 and went in to have an induction. It was absolutely fine - no pain with the balloon insertion or the drip. I used hypnobirthing throughout all procedures / examinations, even during my epidural (I was in a lot of pain by then but knew I had to stay still).

I was initially disappointed that I had to be induced but when it came to it, I had a successful vbac and a far more positive experience than I did with dd1 who was an elc.

@theseriousmoonlight thanks for sharing. I think there’s just so much pressure to have a ‘natural’ labour that it’s easy to get caught up in it. My MW was confident I’d have gone into labour by now due to engagement happening so early which I think has made the delay more disappointing. Think I just need to chill out!

I don’t understand this obsession with sweeps and inductions. Don’t agree to be induced if you don’t want to unless there are specific medical reasons. My third was 42 + 3. It is your decision.

At my 40wk appointment my cervix was also hard and closed and MW couldn't perform a sweep.
I didn't fancy another go tbh as found it an uncomfortable experience and so turned down the one they offered to book in at 41wks. They then said they would schedule me in for an induction at 41+5, I agreed but in back of my mind was so reluctant to take it and just hoped I didn't get to that point. I went into latent labour anyway at 40+4 and active labour started at 41+1 and born 12h later.
Be aware that every sweep carries an infection risk, as does agreeing to your water being broken or anything else being shoved up there. You do not have to consent to anything you don't want to and it is perfectly normal for women to gestate up to 42 weeks or sometimes longer! In other countries 42 weeks is considered full term, not 40.