Options at 40 weeks

[sken92]

Hi all

I’m 40+1 today and totally fed up! I’m just wondering what the options usually are once you get to 40 weeks plus?

I have a midwife app on Tuesday (40+5) but this was just booked in as the next appointment at my previous one 2 weeks ago and it wasn’t really explained what this was for - my regular midwife has been off sick my last couple of appointments so it’s been different midwives each one and very brief checks. Is it likely they will do a sweep/offer a date for induction etc?

The thought of needing an induction terrifies me after reading stories of prolonged labours and interventions but I’m also totally done being pregnant 😂 is it an option to go straight to a section at this point if they don’t think labour will start naturally? I know it will vary depending on area, I’m in Scotland (Lanarkshire) if anyone has any insight?

TIA

At your next appointment the midwife will discuss with you what you prefer to do. I suggest you read Sara Wickham’s book “Induction of labour” (you can get it on kindle ) so that you go to that meeting well informed. The issues about how to choose & what is right for you and your baby are complex .
Remember you do not have to agree to any intervention. Our role as midwives is to share information with you and then you make the decisions. The reality though is that the pressure in the NHS means that you often don’t have time to discuss things very well. The more factual info you have in advance the better.
Hopefully your baby will come in the next couple of days !

@Sussexmidwife thanks so much I will have a look for that! Definitely helps to have an idea of processes, I think I’m just overthinking as not much else to do at the moment and anyone I know who has had a baby recently went just before their due date! Yes hopefully baby comes soon and I don’t need to worry about induction!

I will be 40 weeks on Tuesday. This week, my midwife said that at my next appointment on Wednesday (40+1) she can perform a sweep for me, and if it doesn't work I can have one every 48 hours. She also said that she will be arranging my induction to be booked for 40+12 at the same appointment. Hoping it won't come to that... lots of ball bouncing and walking this weekend!
Good luck