To membrane sweep or not to membrane sweep...

[nevertoomanyshoes]

Hi all, just to-ing and fro-ing re: getting a membrane sweep on Wednesday when I see my OB (she raised it as an option at my last appointment as she knows I’m not keen to be induced again). I’ll be 38+5. No clue if I’m dilated or anything yet, haven’t had a cervical check yet.

Has anyone had one? Did it do anything? When did you do it? Or why did you not? I just keep changing my mind back and forth and it’s making me stress.

I did have one last time with DS the day before my induction so not sure if it did anything (ie would I have gone into labour in the days following).

ETA: my reason for wanting to avoid induction is that I didn’t cope well (and neither did DS) with the pitocin. Even on the lowest dose my contractions were on top of each other, my BP dropped really low and DS had decels.

[nevertoomanyshoes]

And sorry I just realised it’s nearly my bedtime so this is accidentally a post and run but I will be back first thing in the AM my time.

[yianna]

So if you’re not at least a fingertip they won’t be able to sweep your. If you are then they can - they’ve got to be able to get to the uterine wall and sac.

Sweeps haven’t done much for me - other than give me some contractions that do help dilate me prior to labor. If you sweep and have sex the same day - it proves to be more effective IF your body is ready for labor.

That being said - I’m team sweep.

[sweetc129]

From what I know is if your baby is still pretty far from going into labor on its own it isn’t super effective but I’d gour on the verge it can help push you there. I’d make a game day decision based on dilation.

[cornpop]

it seems hit or miss to me based on anecdotal evidence if it helps.

That being said, if I'm dilated enough on Thursday I plan on asking my midwife to do it. Anything that could possibly help I'll try.

[cp3]

I had one last Thursday and baby is still inside. But I have been having stronger contractions and losing more of my mucus plug and bloody show so I think it's helping things move along. I'll be 38 weeks on Wednesday so it's still early and I knew there was a strong chance of it not working. From reading online it's hit or miss on it working.
My OB said he will do another one this week if I want. I'll wait to decide after a cervical check to see if any progress was made.

[Leaf 🌱]

DO IT IF YOU CAN!!! Mine was weird/slightly uncomfortable but not painful. I think I would have been in prodromal labor hell for a few more days (or dead from exhaustion) if my NP hadn’t done it.

[mattsgirl2004]

I had one done with my pregnancy with DS1. I was 3 days over due and dilated at 3. He was born the next morning. I would recommend of you're dilated.

From what I've seen and heard, if done too early or when your body isn't ready it won't be as effective .

[mrsmonogrammed]

I would wait to see if you’re dialated or not before making the final decision, but would probably go for it if my OB offered.

[ArielMermaid]

My SIL has it with both her boys and they were both born within 24 Hours. I’d give it a shot.

[woodenshoes]

With DS1 my OB stripped mine and I went into labor 3 days later. So it seems like it worked for me I don’t think I was more than a fingertip dilated when she did it.

[babybean]

I’m 40 weeks tomorrow and would only consider one as a last ditch effort to avoid induction. I don’t think they do much unless you’re ready to go anyway, my care providers agree. I understand the desire to get baby out but 38+5 is still early term so there’s time, barring health concerns, WRT giving it a go before you’d need to be induced. There’s no bad side to trying so if that’s what you’re more comfortable doing, go for it. *

*My brain is low functioning as of late, so know I say all of this without judgment. Idk if I’ve worded myself well.

[nevertoomanyshoes]

Thanks everyone, I will talk more with the OB when I go tomorrow. I’m leaning towards waiting until the appointment after (which will be next Monday most likely).