When can you do a membrane sweep?

stephiesheldork · October 2015

I'll be 37+5 weeks at my next appointment and I really want to get it done. My EDD is the 30th and my bestfriend who's the baby's godmother is going to be in town for the last two weeks of October to be there for the birth. I'm only 1 cm and 70 effaced. And have been so for almost 3 weeks. It's kind of a big deal for me to have her in the room with me for delivery. So is it too early? Anybody know the requirements? Or does it just depend on the doctor?

Gingerella8 · October 2015

After your due date or even at 41 weeks . I would be shocked if your OB would do it at 37+5 because you wanted to go early with no other complications.

midge519 · October 2015

I've only had it done once in my first pregnancy (doctor suggested doing it because I was already dilated to 3 or 4 and baby was super low) and it was at my appointment where I was 39+4. I would suspect your doctor would do it before 39 weeks. You could ask you doctor and see what their practice is.

erinboehme · October 2015

My previous doctor wouldn't do it until 39 weeks because it is still considered an induction technique. I have never asked my current doctor.

wcm2b · October 2015

My doctor doesn't do it before 39 weeks because she said anything early only causes bleeding and cramping and rarely works. BUT she sounded slightly willing to do it at my 38 week appointment IF I was ripe and dilated enough. Maybe.

emeraudecephiro · October 2015

You still have a few weeks, give it time!

megsie3102 · October 2015

I think it depends on the doctor but from what I understand, it will only work if your body is already pretty ready. My doctor did mine the day before my due date. And that was her, I never asked.

tuinstrab · October 2015

Yeah I wouldn't have it done that early. Baby still might need some cooking time! Dont rush things!! My Midwife wouldn't do a membrane sweep until 39 weeks and I told her I dont want it done until 40.

kim1228 · October 2015

I feel you @stephiesheldork ! I'm due 10/31 and am wondering. I asked this on another post too, most common response I heard was 39w. I'm going to ask at my next appt (I'll be 37w6d) to know for sure, I think every practice is different!

twogirlsandagreen · October 2015

My practice won't do it until 39 weeks. I'm not having it done because I'm GBS+ and I had it done several times with both daughters and it never helped anyway

MandahGirly · October 2015

My Dr did it at my 40 week appointment. Dunno if it helped but I went into labor about 4 days later.

trishas777 · October 2015

The only reason my dr did it with my first at 39 weeks was because my blood pressure kept going up and I had protein in my urine. Wanted to see if this would help me progress before doing induction. Most doctors won't "do it just because..."especially before 39 weeks

LiveNLove44 · October 2015

My understanding is that your body has to be ready otherwise it really won't do much for you to jump start labor. My OB did it when I was at 4cm and had a bulging bag of waters with DD. I was already having regular contractions, but had stalled the day before so she thought it would help my body keep it going. I was able to go home and gather my things, rest for a little while, then it was go time for the hospital. It wasn't magically quick or anything, so I guess I assume that if you're at a 1 and 70% without contractions, the odds are better that it'll just be uncomfortable and produce little results.

dparker721 · October 2015

I'm a FTM and my doctor did it last week at 38 wk 1 day, but I had dilated 2 cm that week and was 80% effaced and baby was extremely low. I also have GD, so I don't know if that played into him doing it earlier than 39 weeks or not. I didnt ask for it. I'm 39 weeks today and still no baby though.

rckstr4lfe · October 2015

I am 2 days from my due date right now and I have been super antsy to get this baby to come (2nd baby for me) but I have to say that doing a membrane sweep early because a friend is in town isn't something your doctor would likely allow. I'm one of those who has already done all the "home induction" techniques I can... It has taken me quite some time to just slow down and realize that my baby just isn't ready yet. A lot babies aren't ready at 37-38 weeks. I know it's hard to wait, but honestly, it's better to just let things progress naturally if possible. Who knows? Maybe your baby will come early on his or her own

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