Help! GD - membrane sweep now or to wait. Any midwives?

[chillin12]

Hello all,

Been having last minute panics as I am so close to due date! I am currently 39+1 in the UK. My due date is on Monday. I have gestational diabetes which is purely diet controlled. Since I am not on medication, is it better to wait until my due date for labour to come on naturally, or ask for a membrane sweep this week to see if it can get things going earlier? I don’t have any sure signs of labour at the moment, other than increasing pelvic pressure, mild period like pains that come and go, and dull lower backaches.

I have an appointment on the 12th, but recently, I’ve been panicking thinking I should try to get the baby to come earlier. Really confused now as to what’s the best option. I will call the community midwife tomorrow as they are now closed, but any advice from anyone who’s been in a similar position. Or any midwifes to help.

Thank you again

Anybody, please?? I’ve been trying to speak to a midwife for last two days, was supposed to be getting a call back, but not received one yet.

Thank you xx

Not an expert on this area but being GD myself as well, you should be under consultant care right? If any concerns should just call the Triage at your hospital and rather than trying the community midwife. And what did they tell you at your previous appointment? I'm supposed to have an appointment at 36 weeks to discuss the birth plan. They already mentioned membrane sweep and induction to me at my last appointment (32w). Think at 39w+1 the baby can come out very safely if you want them to. All the best!

Hello, thank you for your reply. I managed to speak to the hospital department today, and we have agreed to wait till my next appointment on Wednesday 12th, if baby isn’t here by then. (Hopefully, I won’t need to wait that long)! The appointment will be a growth scan and to then see the consultant regarding GD. At my last appointment, consultant said it’s my choice if I want to wait for labour to begin, or opt for induction at 40 weeks. If I wish to wait, they will monitor me and baby after my due date, via the CCTG machine thing etc. I’m happy to wait until 12th at least, and then make a decision after the scan etc, and will ask them if they can check my dilation, and if they’d recommend a sweep then etc. Ideally, I am hoping for labour to begin by itself, otherwise, I’d opt for a sweep first. Good luck to you too! X

I also had duet controlled GDM and had a sweep 3 days before my scheduled induction (wich was on due date), and then I went into labour the day before booked induction which was nice! If I were you I'd ask for a sweep tomorrow.
Best of luck with it all!

Ooo I see. But I spoke to the midwife yesterday and she suggested I wait, as I haven’t been booked for an induction. But thank you!! Hope it’s not long now x

I’m in same position - my consultant told me if I continue to be diet controlled they would look to induce at 40 weeks (I’ve asked for c section instead just as that’s my personal preference of the two). I have been offered sweeps too so hopefully they’ll mention this at your next appointment

Ahhh yes, it’s just so unpredictable isn’t it 😅 the waiting game and I’m getting so impatient. Especially cos it’s my first baby, they advised to wait. My preference is, I am really hoping to go into labour by itself, as soon as possible really.

Good luck to everyone! X