Will they give you a stretch and sweep before your due date?

[Gemma & Jake]

I went to see the midwife two weeks ago when I was 37 weeks and 3 days pregnant and I have to go again today at 39 weeks 3 days. When I went two weeks ago she said that if I had not had the baby by today then we could talk about induction. Do you think she meant we would just talk about it incase I don't have the baby by my due date or do you think she may give me a stretch and sweep or something? She did say last time that I had a nice sized bump and that I am measuring slightly over. If I do have a stretch and sweep is it just like having an internal?

 

[Eblinx]

My midwife said they probably wouldnt offer me one untill a week over but the consultant offered me one yesterday because it felt ready up there, even though i was only a day over.
Its not as bad as my midwife made it sound so dont listen to what people say about it..he was really gentle and said if i wanted him to stop at any point he would.
You could always ask her for a sweep, it only takes a few seconds to do and just feels like cramp..it cant be that bad because i would have another one if i needed one.

 

[Jaidy]

My midwife said they probably wouldnt offer me one untill a week over but the consultant offered me one yesterday because it felt ready up there, even though i was only a day over.
Its not as bad as my midwife made it sound so dont listen to what people say about it..he was really gentle and said if i wanted him to stop at any point he would.
You could always ask her for a sweep, it only takes a few seconds to do and just feels like cramp..it cant be that bad because i would have another one if i needed one.

A sweep is probably nothing compared to whats to come Eblinx!!

All these procedures are very daunting though

 

[Vicki83]

I don't like the thought of any internals to be honest. But i suppose it's got to be done

 

[Cat&Noah]

You could always ask for one hun, althouh they may well give you an internal anyway to see if you have dilated anyway.
I had 2 sweeps before my due date last time, cause I really didnt want to be induced, cause of the drip giving stronger contractions, and I prob wouldnt be able to get a working epi. I got about 5 sweeps in the end, and the last one got it going within a couple of hours.

 

[Dippy]

Glad you asked this question Gemz as I was wondering the same thing. I haven't seen my midwife for three weeks so when I go on Friday I will be 39+5 I don't like the idea of being induced and I know that sweeps aren't always successful but I think I might ask her to see what she can do. Let me know how you get on.

 

[Eblinx]

My midwife made it sound bad and it was nothing, this coming from a whimp

 

[Gemma & Jake]

Well the answer to my own question is that no they will not give you a stretch and sweep until 10 days overdue and will not induce with drugs until 12 days overdue. Well I am hoping it starts naturally before that.

 

[Eblinx]

i got a sweep at 1 day overdue

 

[jennywren]

They have booked me in at the hospital to be induced (if I havnt given birth by then) on 23rd april & im only due on 17th April so thats only a 6 day O/D

 

[Vicki83]

Probably different areas have different procedures?

 

[Eblinx]

i never thought of that

 

[jennywren]

Probably different areas have different procedures?

Yeh maybe, or maybe its cause my BMI is like 2 or 3 points above the recommended or something and cause I have UAT, I have to be monitored incase it gets too low?

 

[Vicki83]

I really am clueless on these things, thats why this fourm is a godsend at times!

 

[Dippy]

Well, guess there's no point in me trying to sweet-talk the midwife tomorrow then into giving me a sweep?! Don't these last few days drag??

 

[Eblinx]

lets see..the hospital gave me a booklet on induction so i know what the procedure is just incase i have to go.
membrane sweeps are usually offered between 40 and 41 weeks it says..and inductions for uncomplicated pregnancies is usually term +12 days but it could be before if its felt to be better for you, or your baby.