Should I get a membrane sweep at 39 weeks?

Question

Saw my OB today for my 36week check up/Group B Strep test. Baby is measuring perfectly fine, on schedule, but I’m terrified of going past due date. Ob recommended membrane sweep at 39th week to help baby arrive by 40th week, she’d rather do that than induction drugs in week 40. Thoughts?

Answer

So according to medline, 90% of women who get a sweep do not go over 41 weeks as compared with 75% of women who do not have one and those who have one require pitocin less frequently than those who do not get sweeps. Also, there is less of an incidence of requiring c-sections in women who get sweeps, although I don’t recall the exact stat. All of this obviously needs to be taken with a grain of salt, as you can’t do a sweep without the mother being at least slightly dilated and effaced, which means anyone getting a sweep already has an amenable cervix and those with the most stubborn cervixes can’t get them. The decision is up to you but there are very few cons to sweeps in the long run. They can be uncomfortable or even painful during and have some soreness afterwards but compared to labor, who cares. They are in no way unsafe for you or baby provided you are otherwise healthy.  So there’s some further good for thought for you to help you decide...

Answer

I had my first two days after a sweep!!!

Answer

Im 35 weeks, my doctor said we could do cervical checks weekly after that and I dont plan on getting them. Baby will come when she wants to, and seeing how dialated I am wont make much difference (just my thought process) so as far as that goes, I dont plan on getting the sweeps done either. Dont be afraid of going over by a week or so because due dates can be off by a bit

Answer

Couldnt u get a sweep at 40wks, and then if it doesnt work move on to induction drugs? I dont understand why u can only get induction drugs at 40wks. Maybe im misunderstanding something.

Answer

I am planning to do exactly that as long as I’m dilated enough at the 39 week appointment. I know I can just wait it out but I’m up for the few natural techniques to get things moving.

Answer

I believe baby will come when they’re ready but if you REALLY want them out then it’s a good choice. But doesn’t always work.

Answer

I had a sweep which was unseccful just don’t get your hopes set up on it work if the body is t ready it won’t work.

Answer

My doctor said they usually only work on moms who’ve had babies already. I don’t know how much of that is true though. Doesn’t hurt to try it.

Should I get a membrane sweep at 39 weeks?

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