38 weeks +2 pregnant? can i request a membrane sweep?

Question

ive read about a lot of women who have started having sweeps around this time, and just wondered is it possible to request one from your midwife? or do they only do it once you go overdue? ive had no health problems etc, normal pregnancy... just wondered if its something you can ask to be done to help things along?

i live in the uk by the way (in case it differs in other countries)

thank you!! xx

Answer 1

i live in bmth and down here as far as i know they will only sweep you once you have gone over due, i was 8 days late with my last child and i had been on at the midwife to do one a week previous but she did it then.. it worked and the following evening i had her..

unless there is any medical reason to do it i dont think they will as you have about 2 weeks to go and thats if you dont end up 2 weeks over, the best way to know for sure is to ask your midwife.. you never know!!  

Answer 2

hiya im 38+4 and i asked for one on wed just gone because im so scared of going over as i didnt have a nice birth with my last and she said there was no point yet as its up to the baby to come when he ready, she told me she would do me one on my due date (1st sep) ive since had a show though, i hope you have ur baby soon i know its hard but just hang on in there, good luck by the way all the best xx

Answer 3

I think you will find that if you are healthy etc then you will have to wait for baby to come when baby wants to come. In the UK it is normally after being 2 weeks overdue that they may suggest a little helping hand.

You could always try the old wives tales..having s*x, eating curry etc. Not sure i believe in these but doesn't hurt to try!  ;-) I'm sure your partner won't mind!!

Good luck with it all and hope it all goes smoothly for you. Lol x

Answer 4

I had one on the day I was due and 2 more sweeps 3 weeks later as I still hadn't gone into labour. They didn't work for me and I found them very uncomfortable. Your midwife can do them at your home if you request it. Good luck!

Answer 5

This is no time for housework. You should be resting. You can clean up again as soon as you drop the sprog.

Don't talk to me about sensible, missus. If you were sensible, you wouldn't be asking stupid questions in the first place.

Answer 6

It can't hurt to ask... the worst that can happen is she'll say no.  I personally believe you should wait until you're due or overdue; let baby develop all the way.

Answer 7

I think you need a chimney sweep :)