Failed Membrane Sweep

[x1994x]

Today I had a failed sweep, my midwife attempted to do the sweep but said that my cervix was too hard and she couldn't perform the sweep. Today is my due date.

It wasn't the nicest feeling in the world and I'm deflated by the whole thing and now worried about going back for another incase it doesn't work again.

They have asked me to go back Wednesday morning for another sweep and if that doesn't work then they will speak about booking an induction in for the Friday.

From people's experiences can you say no to being induced? I've heard horror stories and how the whole thing is more painful and longer than naturally going into labor.

As much as I want this baby out I also don't want to force it, if he's not ready he's not ready. However I don't want to go too over my due date to the point where it becomes dangerous for my baby and perhaps resulting into a c section or something else.

I understand that I could go into labor naturally any minute now which would be the dream, but this is a just incase I don't scenario.

Midwife also mentioned sex will be a big help but to be honest, I couldn't think of anything worse 😂 I'm happy to stick to bouncing on the ball for now.

FTM so any guidance is appreciated!!

Hey, I just gave birth at the start of November and was also against being inducted. You can refuse, they tried to schedule me to be induced at 40 weeks when I was 39 weeks due to having IVF, no one had ever mentioned a routine induction so I read up on the risks and declined. I agreed to go for one at 42 weeks if baby still showed no signs of arriving, I declined a sweep too when I went over initially but when we started getting close to 42 weeks I had one at 41+3 and baby was born at 41+4. It’s worth mentioning that my NHS due date was 2 days before my actual due date (as we had precise info from IVF) so when they said I was 42 weeks, I knew I still would have had 2 days to play with if that makes sense? As I know they say the placenta can be less effective after 42 weeks.

My midwife also said sweeps before 41 weeks were not usually effective on FTM’s as we are usually likely to go over. The cervix needs to be soft and short enough (IE preparing for birth/labour) to enable them to insert a finger to feel the membrane around babies head. I wouldn’t want them forcing it if my cervix was closed tbh so would ask them not to proceed if my cervix wasn’t suitable. Personally if you’re comfortable enough I would give it another week but that’s completely subjective based on my 1 experience. And as you say, you could go into spontaneous labour at any time so 🤞🤞

Oh I feel for you- I was in same position with my first DC. I opted for induction at 41+5 which ended up in an emergency csection under general anesthetic. Have you read up in pros and cons of induction - as can increase the risk of a csection anyway.

I'm booked in for an elective csection with DC2 next Friday as not even going to consider induction again!

I'd do some research so you can make an informed decision. Don't let healthcare professionals scare monger you, find the info for yourself! Good luck whatever you decide x

P.s I literally tried EVERYTHING - sex, hot curries, curb walking, you name it...it did bugger all 🤣

But did you eat a whole pineapple? I did.

Didn’t work.

You say no to sex , I realise semen has a place in helping you along , but if you have yourself an orgasm , perhaps that will help as well.
That and nipple stimulation.

A sweep only works on 1 in 8 women and doesn't sound like you're ready yet anyway. I was admitted at 39+3 with high blood pressure. They did several sweeps, all did nothing but I never found them uncomfortable. They advised induction and I asked what the consequences would be if I refused. They said the worry is that the placenta isn't working as efficiently anymore. That was enough of a reason for me! It was long. The process started on Friday afternoon and I gave birth 12 hours after my waters broke on their own in the early hours of Monday morning. Once I got the epidural I was dancing 😂 I wouldn't mind having to have another one if needs be.

@x1994x we are due date buddies! No movement here and totally fed up. This is my 4th baby tho. Haven't had a sweep yet as they have never worked but might have one at next appointment! And then like u will be looking at induction! I have had 2 inductions before and although there are loads of horror stories mine wasn't that bad. The worst thing I found was the pitocin drip which I would recommend an epidural for. I didn't get offered one but now looking back realise alot of hospitals give it before going on it! Hopefully we meet our babies very soon! X

Your cervix has to be favourable. Ways to encourage favourable cervix are long walks, lots of bouncing on birth ball, and circular motions, eating dates/drinking raspberry leaf tea (These aren't scientifically proven but have helped me personally). Saying that, like you said, if your cervix isn't favourable at all, then it's just not time yet. Depending on what reasons are for induction, you can always ask the question, is it an emergency? Do I absolutely need to be induced? If my cervix isn't favourable, how likely is it that an induction may fail? I'd like to wait a few more days as long as my observations are steady etc... You can have all of these conversations