Sweep or acupuncture?

I don’t have any experience with acupuncture but go with your gut!!! Unless there is a real medical need at this point then no harm in waiting to go into natural labour
I too wanted to avoid induction and baby came at 40+4
You could always just go for the examination where they feel how dilated you are and not actually do the “sweep” bit, that’s what I did and baby came a few days later! It’s your body and your decision xx

thank you for validating my feelings! I think I’m finding this so difficult to grapple with as everyone around me is just telling me to get the sweep and it’s confusing me because my gut really wants to wait. I’ve contacted an acupuncturist and just going to see where it goes from there. Thanks love, hope you are well x

I’m exactly the same as you. I am 41+1 with no signs and declined sweep and induction as just want to try to go as naturally as I can! I’ve heard acupuncture does help this along but I’ve not tried it yet x

it’s so difficult weighing up all the different options and advice! I’ve decided I’m going to try the acupuncture and then come back to thinking about the sweep later if necessary. I’ve spent my whole pregnancy trying to be mindful and listen to my body yet these past few days have really thrown me off kilter. It’s crazy how that one arbitrary date can derail you! Stay strong and hoping you and your baby get the natural birth of your dreams ❤️ but as everyone says as long as everyone’s safe that’s the most important thing x

I was unsure whether to accept the sweep on my due date but eventually decided I would, the reasons being my midwife said they induce now at 41 weeks (this seems so early to me and wasn’t the case with my first in November 2021 and I really want to avoid induction again) and I figured she could at least then tell me a bit more info about if I was dilated at all or how my cervix was. I’ve booked a second sweep tomorrow when I’ll be 40+3 (apparently have to have 72 hours between them) but my main aim is avoid induction!! The first sweep hasn’t seemed to moved anything along but also don’t think it’s caused any negatives for me. X

These have been super interesting to read! I’m also hoping for a home birth and am trying to avoid induction at all costs. Think I’ll be open to a sweep come 41 + 3, just don’t want to go over 42 and no longer be allowed to birth at home. He’ll come in his own time when he’s ready and I really want to let my body do it’s thing as and when it’s ready too! X

let me know how it goes! I was also trying to be mindful but suddenly when you get to 41 weeks it’s like you need to have a baby by the 42 week deadline even though I’m low risk so that has added pressure!! Definitely agree about safety. I think I will elect for a c section by next week if things haven’t started naturally as I don’t want to end up induced, days in labour and potentially an emergency c section anyway I’d rather take control x wishing you all the best x

I'm the exact same as you I have been very set on that I didn't want any medical intervention as i went on my own last time with my boy and had a pool birth and want to do the same this time, plus the thought of an induction/possible section gives me major anxiety. On Friday i was 41 weeks due to worrying about induction i decided to get a sweep but have told my midwife I really don't want an induction. Although they will push for you to have an induction by 42 weeks you can still decline and have extra monitoring which is the path ive chosen for the moment you just have to weigh up the pros and cons for you. My midwife said she's had women not have babies until 42+5 and that's people going on their own. Good luck 🩷 x

thanks for sharing your story 🙏 41 weeks seems awfully early! But I deffo agree, if it feels right for you and avoids any medical induction then it’s 100% the right thing to do. Best of luck for tomorrow and I hope it brings on your labour for you x

I totally understand. It’s such a strange feeling. Ive had a very uncomplicated and low risk pregnancy so never once felt any pressure or immediacy until now and the thought of having my home birth taken away from me is horrible. I’m trying to stay really calm now and give baby lots of good vibes and trust that my body and baby will do what needs to be done. If I need a little help from acupuncture or a sweep then I’m willing to go there a little later down the line to avoid the further interventions. Good luck with your birth I hope everything goes to plan for you ❤️ x

I will do hun all the best to you and your baby. I think it’s a great idea to prepare for every eventuality so you can still feel calm and in control. Wishing you all the best ❤️ x

Thanks hun, really refreshing to hear your perspective. I never realised how pressured I would feel at this time and it’s good to hear some real life stories of women feeling the same. I’ll remember this if I get to 42+ and feeling the same. It’s important to remember we have a choice and further options of monitoring. Thanks and wishing you all the best ❤️ x

@Sophie you're welcome lovely 🩷 I know there's always so much pressure to go for inductions etc and I think feeling pressured into something takes the choice away if you get me. I hope all goes well for you 💞xx

It’s so refreshing to read a thread like this and see a lot of my thoughts and opinions are shared by others! Also, I recommend trying reflexology not just acupuncture- my reflexologist said she’s had clients waters break soon after! I had it two days ago and nothing yet but will be trying again this week. :) x

this is a super helpful post with good insight- I haven’t heard of anyone going beyond 42 and having a healthy birth (I see so much scare mongering out there) so it’s lovely to read!

thanks for sharing! Is reflexology similar to a foot massage?

Yep! It’s basically a foot massage but using pressure points similar to acupuncture without the needles! VERY relaxing if nothing else :)

Well ladies! I thought I’d jump on here and give a quick update! 2 sweeps + acupuncture bought baby on at 41+1 ❤️ long story short a 19 hour home labour (intended home water birth), transfer to hospital and emergency c section (due to baby being stuck in birth canal and wrapped in cord) later my baby boy is here 😂❤️ best laid plans and all that! I’m just super grateful we are both okay. He’s the most beautiful healthy boy and im totally in love!