Sweeps before due dates?

[LucyKirk92]

Hey, I'm just curious as to why some mums to be get offered sweeps early as 38-39 weeks pregnant? I'm currently 40+ 3 days and my sweep is booked for 10 days post due date. I wondered if people ask for an earlier sweep or if there are certain conditions? Or maybe different trusts / hospitals offer different care. I'm in Scotland btw. Just curious but still keen to try and labour naturally

Generally sweeps are offered earlier if there's a reason for the mum to be induced on or close to due date

I'm NI, I'm getting a sweep at 40 week appointment which will be at 40+3.

Then 40+10 an induction will be scheduled for.

Normally here (s.wales) it's from due date, but I'm 39+6 today and just had my 3rd - we're trying to avoid induction/csection and bring baby as he's measuring 'big' x

Sweeps rarely work when done before due date. The later you are the better they would work. They are a form of induction and carry risks so shouldn't be a matter of course - as always good to make an informed decision about whether you want one.

@Loulou1712 the guidance actually says not to induce for a baby measuring big if that's the only reason... Check out the NICE guidelines on this, particularly if you want to avoid induction, you don't have to do it. Scans are very often innacurate. Just as an example, My baby was measuring big and I was offered sweeps and induction, I declined and she came at 42 weeks only 56th centile.

A couple of links if useful:

www.nice.org.uk/donotdo/in-the-absence-of-any-other-indications-induction-of-labour-should-not-be-carried-out-simply-because-a-healthcare-professional-suspects-a-baby-is-large-for-gestational-age-macrosomic

www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/what-is-a-stretch-and-sweep/

Thanks all for the comments. Very interesting! Im just really surprised at how many mums have C sections and inductions early. I'm first time mum and didn't expect such a high number. I thought they were a lesser options but seems so high? I started to doubt my midwife and wondered if I should be asking for a sweep now but going to leave it. I was due on 8th October, still nothing so far but remaining calm/ relaxed about it. My midwife always told me that I'll likely carry over to 41/42 weeks as FTM so kinda expected it. I only get anxious seeing so many people getting sweeps/ inductions much earlier. I know everyone is different and some may have medical reasons which makes total sense! thanks for the links too!

I had two sweeps. One at 39 +1 and again at 39+5 as DS3 was measuring big and if they didn't work I was to be induced on my due date. DS3 was born about 8 hours after the 2nd sweep weighing 9lb 13 so they weren't wrong...for once!