WWYD? Sweeping membranes

[ice_chick]

I will be seeing my MW tomorrow & am just approaching 38 weeks. She told me at my 36 week appt that she would like to start sweeping my membranes at 37 weeks. I skipped my appt last week because I was opposed to it & didn't want to have to put up a fight. Should I just let her? I so want this baby already & am tired of waiting, but I have heard it doesn't work so well if I am not ready to go into labor anyway. I've heard the process can be uncomfortable, but since I don't have any discomfort during a regular VE, I don't think I will mind that too much. I wouldn't want her to accidentally break my water though so I am going to ask her if she ever has had that happen in the past. My mom is taking the kids this weekend so it would actually be the perfect time The reason for the whole sweeping of the membranes is that since I am planning a VBAC I can only stay in the MW's care until 41 weeks at which point they need to transfer me over to the OB who will want to do a c/s. I have never gone past 40 weeks, I am not so worried about it, but I would like to get things going. I know I should just stick it out, but I see all the posting for the new babies & I want mine!!! Any advice?

[peilover010202]

Jumping in from August DDC...

Believe me, I know the yearning for these babies! I'm totally in the minority here, but I would probably opt to have it done given your circumstances.

My membranes were swept without my consent at 38w with ds and I had him 6 days later. The procedure was a little uncomfortable and I had bleeding afterwards (which was what triggered me to ask if the dr swept my membranes) but overall, it wasn't too bad.

[ice_chick]

Originally Posted by peilover010202

My membranes were swept without my consent at 38w with ds and I had him 6 days later. The procedure was a little uncomfortable and I had bleeding afterwards (which was what triggered me to ask if the dr swept my membranes) but overall, it wasn't too bad.

How do they do it without your consent? Could you tell when a normal VE turns into something else? I am worried that might happen to me so I don't want to consent to a VE at all unless I was sure I wanted to go through with the membrane sweeping.

[peilover010202]

Originally Posted by ice_chick

How do they do it without your consent? Could you tell when a normal VE turns into something else? I am worried that might happen to me so I don't want to consent to a VE at all unless I was sure I wanted to go through with the membrane sweeping.

Well, during the visit with my dr, dh and I were talking about dh's unpredictable work travel schedule and the fact that he needed to be gone for a business trip in early Sept (i was due 9/4). Anyway, it was my first VE (at 38w) at that point. And, honestly, I think the dr thought he was doing what we wanted (trying to speed things up.)

I think if you make it clear that you don't want membranes swept, then your care provider won't do it. But, I never imagined that my dr would without my express consent - which I didn't give. But, I also never thought to tell him I didn't want it either. At that point, I only wanted to know my options if I went overdue. Can't change it now, but I know this time around

[gumby74]

My OB swept my membranes and my water broke there in her office. I was 38 weeks along. It was ok with me because I was more than ready to have Andrew. She later told me that in the 14 years that she has been practicing, that was only the second time someone's water had broken in her office after she swept the membranes. It sure did give me an interesting birth story to tell!

[violetbutterfly]

Only if you're comfortable with the idea. If you're fine with it then I don't see the harm. I'm thinking of maybe having mine swept next week at 41 weeks, so we'll see. I know having a VBAC puts a different spin on everything so if it's something that could create less stress then I say go for it.

[carliec76]

: that just seems unethical and ridiculous. maybe letting nature take its course would be the better idea. JMO

[AidansMommy1012]

If your chance at a VBAC is at stake, I would say go for it. I'm opting out of it, but my best friend had hers swept and she said that, while it definately didn't tickle, it didn't hurt that bad. In the toss up between NOT having them swept and possibly losing my VBAC, and just having it done, I would go for doing it. That way, no matter what, you'll be able to look back and know you did everything in your power to give birth vaginally. Good luck with that, by the way! We're all pulling for you!