0cm and thick cervix at attempted sweep, how long in your experiences?

[AllTheOtherNamesWereTaken]

Yesterday I was 40+4 and hoped to have a sweep but the midwife wasn't able to do one as I was 0cm and still have a thickened cervix pointing to the back.

I'm wondering who else has experienced this and how long it was until you started to see signs and go into labour? I'm booked for another try on Thursday at 41 weeks, not sure whether to get my hopes up of having one or to try to stop expecting him to arrive soon! I've got an induction booked for 42 weeks and would like to avoid that if possible but, I know he'll come when he'll come!

It's so odd being in this limbo of waiting, he's our first and we're trying to be patient but with me having finished work and my DH wound down for pat leave it's hard to not feel the time drag!

Following, 40+4 and seeing midwife tomorrow, I don't want a sweep but thinking about an examination just to see if I am dilated at all as I have felt like I am being cranked opened for weeks 😅

@funauntienowmummytobe that's a good idea just so you know! Will help with the odd limbo if you are feeling that like me!

Yes, I keep being asked about signs and twinges but not feeling anything that I haven't felt for weeks already! I've had Braxton Hicks throughout so even they aren't a sign for me! I just worry I'll be disheartened if she says cervix is closed but at least I'll know to start trying other means to try and avoid induction!

Have you been trying anything to bring labour on?

I haven't had any Braxton Hicks! I don't know about you but being asked constantly by friends and family if he's here is making it seem like he's later than he is!

I've not done anything major to try and induce him as I do believe he'll come when he is ready, but I was keen to try sweeps as they don't involve any medicine or hormones etc. I'm just trying to stay relaxed and rested, going for some walks but this is tricky as one side of my bump gets sore and I have to waddle at a snails pace because I can't make proper strides! I don't want to do anything like castor oil that could cause issues, sex is the last thing me and DH fancy but I've spent a bit of "me time" to have some orgasms 🤭

Have you tried anything?

This sounds like me at 40+2 I recall? Closed cervix so couldn't do a sweep.

At 41+1 I had my next sweep and was desperate for it to work (as I had an induction booked in for 41+3). They only just managed to do a sweep then (student midwife said cervix was too high?? Experienced midwife only just managed it?). Lost my plug that evening, labour the next morning and baby born just after midday.

I was impatient too! Good luck.

I had a sweep at 40+6 and was told that it wouldn't work as I was exactly the same as you. Midwife did her best and said to book another sweep for later in the week.

Turned out it did work and my dd arrived within 24hrs.

No experience but are you drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea? It won't bring the labour on but should soften the cervix. I drank loads of it with my last PG and the MW said she could tell.

Try hand expressing colostrum which may help bring things on for you! Some good videos on YouTube and can help prime your milk supply

Lots of your experiences sounds promising, thank you all! @southwestsis I did lots of expressing last week to harvest some, I've run out of syringes but might give it another go!

I'd forgotten about raspberry leaf tea as when I read about it I was too far off to try, thanks for the reminder I might track some down!

I was the same, went in for a sweep on my due date but the midwife said there was no point as my cervix was no where near ready. Went into labour naturally at 40+4, ds born the next day.

I'd forgotten about raspberry leaf tea as when I read about it I was too far off to try, thanks for the reminder I might track some down

I used to add honey abs it's not the most delicious taste, it's ok but the honey definitely makes it better

@MrFlibblesEyes

I was the same, went in for a sweep on my due date but the midwife said there was no point as my cervix was no where near ready. Went into labour naturally at 40+4, ds born the next day.

Ooh this is very promising to hear thank you ☺️