Sweep

edel26

Hi All
I am currently 39 weeks and am due my first Baby next Friday. The Midwife told me that they will take me in at 40 weeks and do a sweep!?

What does this involve and does it start labour??
Any advise greatful!!

Ayla

Sweeps can be used to induce labour, but it's not guaranteed. I had a sweep when I was almost 41 weeks (my doc didn't even tell me she was doing it...just said she'd "help me along" even though after doing an internal she thought I was preparing to go already).

I did feel nausious afterwards, kinda yucky. My labour started the next morning & babe was born at exactly 41 weeks. Don't know whether the sweep or the natural progression of things was responsible for getting things going.

IMO, sweeps should not be a routine method unless there's an indication why the labour *needs* to start right at 40 weeks. I always roll my eyes when I hear stories of women who have an auto sweep done right at DOE, b/c I don't think DOEs are 100% certain anyway. Sweeps do carry a risk of infection (as does anything which involves insertion of anything into the canal), and there is the risk that the plug will be "popped" before you're 100% ready.

cbyrd

you can refuse a sweep.. i did on my last one..they will do an internal check to see if you are starting to dilate..if not then they'll discuss a date to be induced up to 42 weeks.. good luck anyway you're nearly there