Looking for encouragement

If the sweep works you will go into labour naturally and won't need to be induced, so worth a try!x

You do not need to be induced. NHS guidance is that you can go until 41+5. Definitely wait it out! NHS due dates aren’t accurate and you may need those few extra days

I would opt not to get induced, baby will more likely than not come on its own

Baby probably just changed position which is why growth appeared slowed. You don’t have to have a sweep or induction, baby will come when they’re ready. People usually wait until about 41+5 to be induced so as not to go over 42 weeks so you’ve still got a bit of time, just keep bouncing on your ball. I did acupressure before bed one evening and my waters broke the next morning in bed so could try that

My first came at 42 weeks. I had an unsuccessful sweep at 40 weeks, went for induction at 41+5 and asked for Bishop score (Google that it's good to know) basically tells you how likely it is for the induction to be straight forward.
They found out I was in early labour (3-4cm) and let me go on my own. I too believe their dating was off and I know for sure this pregnancy they got it wrong again 🙄
I too was desperate to get in labour and avoid induction but the truth is all those things we try only work if the baby is ready. Like an apple coming off the tree, you are not to force it. If you feel good and baby seems to be doing alright and there is no confirmed medical reason for induction try and give yourself as much time as possible and try to relax because that is helping labour to start.

I am also 40+5 today and have had a risk free pregnancy and as of last week, an 8lb baby. I have refused all interventions.

My midwife has been fantastic and has encouraged me to make my own informed decisions rather than pushing anything on me. She’s happy for me to wait it out, past 42 weeks if I want to. You absolutely do not need to agree to an induction, after 42 weeks you’d just be offered extra monitoring.

It comes down to weighing up the risks of sweeps/induction vs waiting. It’s so hard to know what is the right decision and really there isn’t one!

But don’t feel pressured into anything, your body, your baby, your birth = your decision.

I am leaning towards having sweeps if I get to the stage where I need/want an induction though, as Rachael said a sweep could be what you need to avoid an induction.

Good luck xx

I was offered a sweep at 40 weeks and declined as stats show theyre not that beneficial/effective. I dont want any unnecessary interventions that could increase risk of complications and also told them I dont want an induction but they’ve booked me in for one at 41+2. I will go in so that baby can be checked but ive told them already I will be declining the induction. Ive been advised that they recommend not going past 41+5 because of increased risk of things like stillbirth, so I will decide then what I want to do if baby doesn’t come beforehand.

I tend to be shy and not speak up in the moment so ive told my partner all this information so he can speak up for me if he sees I start to feel pressure from the midwives

Just to maybe put your mind at ease re C-section, I had two sweeps and ended up having my waters broken at 41+5. I laboured for about 14 hours before my chunky 8.8lb boy made an appearance. I know my experience won’t be the same as everyone else’s, but one set of interventions don’t always lead to more! Xo

I’m in a similar situation - 40+6 today and induction booked for Friday. Not sure I’m going to take it. Big baby, but I’m not sure that’s such an issue as I’ve had a big baby before. If my body’s ready, I know I can do it.

I’ve had 2 successful sweeps and both have given me a night of pain and exhaustion but no baby. I will decline any others before the induction date as I want to save my energy.

The sweeps have shown that I should be able to just have my waters broken which is the only kind of induction I want to accept. A consultant yesterday said they would want to give me the drip after 1 hour if contractions don’t start which I’m not happy about and will query with my midwife tomorrow.

Our bodies are already going through so much and having to advocate for yourself all the time becomes another pressure! I feel reassured that midwives are generally on board, it’s just doctors who are more interventionist and harder to challenge. Best wishes to you with your decision making

I was in your shoes too. It’s normal to feel deflated. You’ve got this mama! My baby was measuring on 97th percentile. However, I continued to decline all interventions, sweeps & induction, etc. my baby came naturally at 41+3 weighing 8lbs 14.5oz. You do not need to be induced , it’s your choice x

Hi ladies, I’m 40+3 today for my midwife appointment in an hours time and don’t know what to do at all as I know she’ll say sweep as I’m over due but…. Just worried she’ll phone the hospital where I’m going and get my booked in for an induction and I’m terrified of being induced and also don’t like the thought of a sweep tbh.

Hellllllllp x

If you’re sure you dont want an induction, just decline. They will likely respond with some moving arguments but stay firm in what you want. They have to accept what you want. Some women advise asking 1. what are the risks 2. what are the benefits 3. what happens if I wait X hours/days etc. Just to make it look like youre making an informed decision but at the end of the day, your body your choice x

thanks for the info and for the reply. Anxious for my appointment in 10 x

Just thought I’d to say I had my baby girl yesterday 3.30am. No induction yayyyyy! Good luck to everyone still waiting xxx