Hospitals too busy for sweeps?
Hi 👋🏻 I'm feeling a bit confused about how my midwives in my antenatal appointments have been really encouraging me to go to the birth centre for a sweep as I have a limited time before my induction date now. They made it sound so simple- ring the birth centre, go in for a sweep that takes a few minutes, go home.
However, the birth centre are so busy they always either ask me to ring back later, or the next day... Today they very reluctantly told me to come in at 11 but to expect a long wait since sweeps aren't actually part of their job (or something along those lines).
I'm going to head there later with something to do to keep me busy while I wait but I'm wondering if this system where sweeps are unbookable and seemingly very inconvenient for the department being asked to do them is the same in most hospitals or if it's just how the Royal London does them?
I'm ready for the long wait today but I'm wondering how many hours I can expect to be in that waiting room for a procedure that's meant to take minutes? Is it normal to feel like asking for a sweep is inconvenient despite being instructed to ask for one?
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Mine are done at my community midwife appointments in my GP surgery. I have my 40 week appointment next Thursday and she’ll do it there and then if I decide I want one.
Sounds like a frustrating system where you are, I hope it’s not too long a wait!
Mine have been done at my regular antenatal midwife appointments, they suggested when I come in for them and booked them for me. Your hospital sounds like it’s got a slightly strange system in place, maybe they just don’t like doing sweeps?
Good luck today.
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