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I had my 37 week app last week and the midwife said that at my next app they can offer me a stretch and sweep a they offer it from 38 weeks. I've never heard of this and wouldn't even consider it being an option. I always thought things would wait til 40+ weeks (unless of course there is some sort of high risk etc)
Is this a new thing? Cos I don't remember it being offered last time...
I had one at 38 weeks but only cause my cervix was very ripe and favourable and due to a lot of pelvic, groin and back pain (in both my pregnancies) I agreed to it - enthusiastically I might add! I was over it by then plus DD2 was due on 28th Dec and I wanted to avoid a Christmas delivery if I could. I wanted to be around for DD1 (who was 2 then) at Christmas. My waters broke 4 days later and DD2 was born within 45 minutes (37 according to my midwife) - a week before Christmas. It was fabulous!
A S&S doesn't always work or help and you can most definitely say no to one. It is an easy way to possibly get things going if you're ready to meet your baby.
I had one at 38 weeks, but by request (well it had been offered earlier and I asked later). I was 3cm dilated and bulging and had been having pre labour for some time. Dd didn't come till 39+2 regardless.
I would say if you don't want it don't have one :)
I guess it depends on the circumstances, as with all things.
Generally speaking, there is a risk of infection, as well as unpleasantness :) I don't know why they would offer it as routine?
I'm having one from 39weeks as I really don't want to be induced medically and my obstetrician is going on holidays from when I am term +5 ( I work with the alternative obstetricians and would really prefer her managing my labour to the others).
I'm sure you can refuse it, if you're body isn't ready it wouldn't do much anyway!
I got one done at 38+5, it did nothing. In hindsight I wouldnt have bothered. It wont do anything if your body isnt ready, and if your body is ready chances are you.ll go into spontaneous labour soonish anyway so you may as well wait it out and s ave yourself an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. they tried agaim at 39+5 but my cervix was too high and posterior, they could barely check dilation so didnt do a s&s, they didnt think i'd be anywhere near going into labour, 36 hours later I went into spontaneous labour and had her on 40+1.