Failed sweep

[Djt28]

I am 38+1 and had my midwife today and was offered a sweep, my cervix is soft and open however baby’s head wasn’t down far enough😩 Iv been getting some period like cramps and pretty bad back pain since, is this normal? I wasn’t expecting anything to happen afterwards as it was unsuccessful

Please Read Sara Wickam she covers the science on the Stretch and sweep of membranes.
Basically it can help 24-48hrs post sweep BUT the science isn't really there to back this claim up. It is an old practice with no new research or evidence. Some women swear by it some say it did nothing all Anecdotal.

P.s bishops scores are pretty useless as it can all change in minutes / hours. The only thing you can do is relax, do some exercise you enjoy, try some yoga. But take the pressure off. Baby wont stay in there forever. You only have a few weeks left. 👍🏽🎉

38 weeks is pretty early for a sweep. I think it only helps things along if you are already close to going into labour.

No wonder, it's very early for a sweep and they only happen if your body and baby is ready anyway!

Relax and if baby isnt here by 41 weeks maybe think about it x

Hi OP, I had a failed sweep at 39+3 and another failed one today at 40+3. Definitely had a bit of cramping and back pain after both but not progressed to actual labour yet 😩

38 weeks is pretty early though.

I'm not sure it speeds up labour by much TBH - probably brings it forward by a day or so at most!

Thanks everyone! Cramping has eased but back pain is still persistent lol, I was just surprised as they couldn’t properly do it yet I still felt uncomfortable afterwards! Only reason they done it so early is I have gestational diabetes and not allowed to go past 40 weeks so getting induced next week otherwise they wouldn’t have offered me a sweep at all, babys head isn’t engaged enough but at least I know my body is doing its bit🤣