My consultant has suggested I have a sweep and stretch at 39 weeks...

[Harrietmessenger]

I'm 35 weeks pregnant and my consultant has suggested I have a sweep and stretch at 39 weeks. Has anyone had this? It's my second baby and I'm not sure whether to let things happen naturally. My first born was nearly two weeks overdue, my waters broke, but nothing really happened, so I ended up being induced with the drip 30 hours later. I don't really want a repeat experience. Does anyone have any advice for me?

[amara]

A membrane sweep is not a guarantee as it doesn't work on all women! But I can tell you my own personal experience I had one, a really good one from my midwife and went into labour the very next morning and gave birth less than 24 hours after! Its not at all painful at best I'd say its uncmfortable, but by far better than being induced! I am 34 weeks along with my LAST and will do it again if he doesn't come out on time! Good luck

[rmh2012]

My sister was given an early sweep with her second because her first was so overdue (and because he was so very large by the time he popped out!).

And they'll consider inducing me early because I'm in the 'old duck' category, although that will depend on the health of my placenta towards the end of the pregnancy (so if you fall into that category, you'd be booked in for late scans - usually from 28 or 30 weeks, with an additional one or two scans to compare health of placenta and baby - if the placenta is less efficient towards the end, the little one is better off being fed on the outside).

I also had a sweep at term +4 with my first, and had the baby in the early hours of the next morning. The sweep is only mildly uncomfortable, and I'd rather that than to be induced.

So there are a variety of reasons they might consider prompting an early birth, and it usually takes your specific history into account. I'd recommend you speak to your midwife and ask for an explanation of the reasons.

R x