Is getting a membrane sweep kinda ‘cheating’? 😏 (more context in description)

Question

Hi ladies 
I am 35+3, and had another check-up yesterday. Baby is thriving and I feel great. She in the right position and was bopping around while sucking her thumb. 🥰
My doctor said she typically does a sweep at 38 weeks, just to get things moving. I was happy with that but when I told my husband, he is not so keen.... 
From his point of view, we should only be intervening if I was very uncomfortable or there was a medical reason for baby. And that getting a sweep just because we’re excited to get things moving is not a good enough reason.
He thinks it’s kind of cheating nature in a way 😂 
I can see where he’s coming from. We have another 2.5 weeks before the topic will even come-up again with the doctor, so we’ll see how everything is looking at that stage. 
But just for fun... what do you think?

Answer

Getting your membranes sweeper doesn’t always mean you’ll have baby immediately. With my second son, I had them sweeped 3 times before having to be induced (on due date because of preeclampsia). With my first, I went into labor the very next day. It really just depends on if your baby/body is ready, otherwise it’s not going to do much. I don’t see anything wrong with it personally, but it is a choice you should both discuss, in a few weeks you may be so uncomfortable it’s the best option, or you may just want to ride it out and see what happens. You could always discuss further with your doctor to describe the procedure, the risks and the benefits, and if your doctor recommends.

Answer

I don’t think it is cheating because it won’t work if your body isn’t already ready. I had mine swept at 39+4 and went into labor with in 24 hours. But if you’re body isn’t ready, it won’t do anything! There are women who get their membranes swept 3 times and its never successful. You have to have a “favorable bishop score”

Answer

For a low risk pregnancy in the UK as a first time mum you can only get a sweep on NHS at 40 weeks unless special circumstances apply and for subsequent pregnancies only from 41 weeks, 38 does seem a little early and you may find it doesn't work because it's early.

Answer

I had a membrane sweep done at 38w3d. I was 5cm dilated, but since my water didn't break and I didn't have consistent contractions they said I had to go home. I had the sweep done because I wanted it done. That's what it comes down to. I don't consider it cheating as I'm not sure if it really speeds up the process any more than other natural inductions (sex, spicy foods, etc). I did go back to the hospital 3 days later due to starting to feel more frequent contractions and found out I was 7cm dilated. They were about to send me back home since I still wasn't having consistent contractions but then my water broke when I was standing in the side room.

Answer

Lol I don’t think it’s cheating, as it can also have no effect, and can’t be done unless you’re at least a bit dilated in the first place. 
I’m doing acupuncture tomorrow at 38+5, then leaving well enough alone until 39+3 when we’ll do a sweep. Don’t want to be doing anything too much when our OB isn’t the one on call over the weekend (they rotate and his turn was last week) so if tomorrow doesn’t help, we’ll sit tight 🤷🏼‍♀️

Answer

I don’t think it’s “cheating”. Just seems like an unnecessary intervention. But it’s kind of like those “natural” things people do to get labor going (having sex, walking, midwives brew etc).

Is getting a membrane sweep kinda ‘cheating’? 😏 (more context in description)

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products