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Childbirth

How soon after (41w) sweep was baby born?

10 replies

Wuxiapian · 22/01/2013 09:37

I'm 41.2 today with 2nd DC and MW wants to do sweep later this morning.

I'm still undecided if to have it, or whether to let nature take its course, but have been reading stories of stillborns/failing placenta, etc if pregnancy goes on for too long.

Just worried, I guess.

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Angelik · 22/01/2013 09:55

Morning! I had sweep yesterday at 41+2. I was dreading it as you hear it's so really painful BUT good midwife felt that the cervix was soft, centred and already 50% effaced so we decided to do it. I hadn't even realised she'd done it! I started contracting an hour later and did so for five hours wen it all stopped (this is typical of my pregnancy not what will happen to you - I had threatened labour at 31w and several false alarms at regular intervals so can't believe I am overdue!). Had a few more contractions in the night so not great sleep and am starting to contract again now a I type.

However, back to your concern. If you decide not to have a sweep and you must do what you feel most comfortable with you should be monitored every couple of days. Remember if you decide against a sweep today you can change your mind and have one in a day or two.

Let me know how you get on.

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AdiVic · 22/01/2013 10:38

Hello

I had 3 sweeps with both my pregnancies, none ended up working and I was induced with both. With my first I was already 1cm dilated, soft cervix etc and had 1st sweep at 41w. I had them every other day. I was really frustrated that they didn't work. I was umming and ahhhing about having sweeps with the second baby, but chose to do so as IF they get things going they are worth it. In my case they made no difference. I would do it again, as it is not that uncomfortable, and is fairly quick. If you are concerned about pregnancy going on too long, and you are concerned about the rare, but possible issues, ask to be induced. Our NHS trust induces at 40 + 10, and won't let you go over that. If you are concerned about being induced, try not to be - both mine were and it was fine. 8hrs and 1.5hrs - good luck, hope all goes well

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happy2bhomely · 22/01/2013 10:49

I had a sweep (with dc4) by midwife at 40+3, but it did nothing.

Then at 41 weeks I went to hospital for monitoring, (decreased movement) and doc said trace was perfect, but he wanted me to stay the night ready for induction first thing in the morning. I jumped off that bed so fast and said no way was I staying! (Booked homebirth) He agreed to do one more sweep and I agreed I would be back in the morning for monitoring if no sign of labour.

The sweep he did was so uncomfortable I was almost in tears. I had to ask him to stop. It worked though. I had some spotting straight away and within an hour I was contacting regularly. I left the hospital at about 8pm and baby arrived at home at 3am.

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Angelik · 22/01/2013 13:36

It's totally random isn't it! I have not progressed at all but am in constant discomfort (not helped by stinking cold which has developed this morning). Am booked for induction on Thursday which seems eons away especially if I'm going to have constant but irregular contractions. Am bloody shattered. Trying not to get downhearted and accept that it is unlikely I'll have the lovely birth I had with ds. Hey ho what can you do.

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AnyaKnowIt · 22/01/2013 13:37

I was 41+1 when I had my sweep. 12 hours later dd was here

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Wuxiapian · 22/01/2013 18:02

Thanks everyone for your responses.

Well, I decided to have the sweep in the end.

MW said cervix was 1cm dilated, forward and soft, but she couldn't feel his head as he's only 4/5ths engaged. Does this mean the sweep's less likely to work?

Had a little discomfort since, but nothing else - no show, no contractions, nothing.

MW booked me in for induction this Sunday if still no signs (which is my fear as I wanted to be on the MLU and use the pool after horrendous birth with DC1)!

Is there anything I can do to speed things up?

Thanks again for you responses.

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Angelik · 22/01/2013 19:55

Every hospital trust has different policies but check yours as mine will allow me to go into the mlu after one gel application. If I have to have two then it's the labour ward. If you come across any tips to get things moving let me know. Am walking around like hunchback of Nostradamus. Need to get this baby out! Can't even give ds a proper cuddle cos it hurts.

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Angelik · 23/01/2013 16:40

Further to my whining yesterday my ds, pearl, arrived at 3.42 this morning after 3 hours 45 mins of proper labour. So I think the sweep worked for me. Good luck wuxiapan! Hope it works for you.

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CPtart · 23/01/2013 16:48

About ten hours later, and very quickly.

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Wuxiapian · 23/01/2013 18:24

Wow, Angelik, congratulations!!

And, a quick(ish) labour, too! Hope you're both doing well.

A little discomfort here (29hrs later), but feel it could be more to do with the prodding... Fingers crossed for me.

Congrats again!! :)