To sweep or not to sweep?

[Puddinggulper]

Hi all,

I was wondering if people could share their experiences of having a sweep done.

I know there’s a debate around what ‘overdue’ actually means and that it’s natural and normal for a baby to come up to 42 weeks but they offer sweeps before that to encourage things along.

Part of me feels happy to wait and see if the baby decides to come on it’s own before 42 weeks but another part of me is aware the longer we wait the bigger a baby I’ll have to push out! But I’ve heard being induced can make Labour much longer and I’m not sure if a sweep is included in that?

Links please? to the so many people that have lost babies etc.

No experience here, but if you're unsure, I get you, because it looks like war torture. Horrible.

www.groupbstrepinternational.org/parent-stories.html

Follow link above to GBSI International for parent stories on links between membrane sweep and infection. This particular group focus on GBS infection but there are also stories with other infection like e.coli

They do a lot of work and have a lot of information on their website in relation to membrane sweep and risk of infection.

This made me 100% sure, that no way in the world I will agree for sweep.

Hell yes get that baby out. That's how I felt and I was induced twice at 37 weeks lol

I'm glad to hear that gossip girl. I think the word needs to spread more about the information on that GBs group and the danger of membrane sweeps. There is a lot of risk for something that might not even work. Membrane sweeps go beyond the mucous plug and the cervix. There's a reason the mucous plug is there and it's primary reason is to prevent bacteria entering the amniotic sac. The procedure was invented 200 years ago when there was no mechanical or chemical means to safely induce pregnancy. 200 years ago they also thought it was safe to use castor oil but we know now that is also extremely dangerous. I think it's important to share this information to prevent the risk of infection from happening and to ensure mothers and babies are protected and the best outcome possible. If anyone needs more information, the GBS Intl group are very responsive to queries. They have spent many years putting research together and have obstetric doctors on their board.

Thank you for this. Will have a read.