Membrane sweep not possible with posterior ‘unripe’ cervix

[Essp90]

At 38 weeks my baby got measured in 99% for size which triggered conversations about induction / c-section. I have been waiting and hoping for a spontaneous labour, but knew that at my routine appointment today (40+4) I would say yes to a membrane sweep if offered. The midwife said my cervix was nowhere near ready, unreachable and unripe. Which if course is making me worried about going even more overdue with a sizeable baby and the possibility of more invasive medical inductions nearing. Does the position of my cervix / inability to reach really mean I’m not close to labour?

It just means you weren’t close to labour at that point. A lot can change and quickly for some.

Vaginal examinations are only a snapshot in time and things can change in a matter of hours.
Are you doing everything you can to bring on labour naturally? Worth giving everything a shot!

If you’re 40 plus 4 with a large baby, I’d seriously be considering induction. The placenta begins to break down and the risks go up as time goes on. Have they suggested this to you? I’ve had 2 inductions, they were absolutely fine and more manageable actually than the 1 I had without. Good luck, think of the lovely baby you’ll be holding soon!

It would be a hard no on a sweep for me. Drink loads and take gentle exercise.

Things can change quickly, it only means it wasn't ready at that exact moment.
I would be avoiding sweeps anyway as there's no evidence they actually work.

Be as mobile as you can, lots of deeps squats and lunges, miles circuit. I would always avoid interventions unless there's an actually emergency.

Also I know an insane amount of women I know who were measuring huge but ended up with an average weight but very long baby.