Sweep at 39 weeks?

[Bellesjp]

Hi everyone

Been offered to have a sweep from 39 weeks if I want one and not sure what to do. Seems early but they want to induce at 40+6 if things not started on their own by then due to GD, which I'd rather like to avoid!

Anyone been in the same situation? Did it help?

I'm only 30 weeks but have been told by my GD doctor that they'll offer a sweep at 38 weeks, again and 39 and then induction at 40

Again at* 39 weeks

I had 2 sweeps and they did nothing.

What helped for me was going for a really, really long (slow pregnant) walk up and down gentle hills, a little over 10k steps! Labour started next day, baby arrived at 41+1. (Induction was booked for 41+2).

I had two sweeps and it did nothing. DD was still 15 days late. I wouldn't have them again tbh.

I had one and found it unpleasant, bit painful and didnt work for me. Given my time again, I would personally not have it. Although you might be different. Good luck 🤞

Think it’s pretty standard to be offered at 39 weeks now I was and didn’t have anything wrong. I refused but ended up having 2 before I was induced. I personally didn’t think it was too bad. Little uncomfortable but didn’t hurt. Everyone is different

I had GD twice with both pregnancies and the first she couldn't sweep and that was at 40w. Baby too high up.

Second I'm sure I had one in hospital. I was induced both times. First horrible because hormone pessary. I'd not do that again. Second with rods totally fine. Don't be scared of it - it's not horrific. Preg with 3rd and they better induce me again because I'm good at it now 😄

I had 2 sweeps at 39 weeks (also in an attempt to avoid induction!). Lost my mucus plug within 24 hours of the second but labour didn't start until 3.5 days later.
They were only slightly uncomfortable for me (I've tolerated smears and coil insertion well before) so I'd have them again in another pregnancy.
I went into labour 8 hours after an enthusiastic aquanatal class, so I'm crediting that!

I had one. Didn't work but I would do it again. It's uncomfortable but worth a shot.

I second walking if you have time. And anything else active. I remember being asked when I was due by receptionist at the pool. "10 days ago" - she looked horrified. 😂

Now obviously I was late regardless but I still think it helps.

I also think that we have some power subconsciously over when it happens. Like a PP I gave birth the day of my planned induction after spontaneous labour that night. Maybe it's just coincidence.... But maybe it's because I knew the deadline...

Thanks everyone, sounds like they're not too awful if I did decide to have one and glad to know all inductions aren't horrible @DuploMum 😊 think I've only ever heard horror stories about induction and it's put me off, but hopefully she will come on her own before that 🤞🏼

Will have a chat with my midwife and maybe book one for next week between 39-40 weeks x

Good luck OP! Wishing you a brilliant and punctual birth.

I was in the same boat with GD, took the offer of a sweep at 39+3 which I think helped me go into labour before induction which I had booked on my due date.
(I had diet controlled GD, would have gone for sweep/earlier induction if I had been needing medication)

Same.
Sweeps are unpleasant and not helpful. They only “work” if your body is gearing up for labour anyway, in which case you didn’t need the sweep.

My trust must be different as apparently they can’t offer until 40+ weeks. Doesn’t give you much time! I’ve got one booked for Weds and an induction automatically booked at 41 which is Sunday coming so I’m not too pleased!
Hope things go well for you OP

Thanks everyone 😊 also been walking everywhere and staying active so hopefully that helps!!

@SouthwestSis I'm diet controlled too, otherwise they said they'd want me induced at 39 weeks, not what I wanted but thankfully my blood sugars always been fine since I cut out my treats!