I'm expecting my second child and am worried that the later they are, the more at risk they become as the placenta becomes less effective. Midwive tried a sweep yesterday but couldn't reach the cervix, again quite worrying - I'm currently waiting a call from the hospital to be brought in for induction and would like to know how late you can safely be. I'll probably feel better and go naturally once the hospital confirms, just wish I knew what was going to happen.

They'll usually leave you 14 days over as after that point things get slightly more risky.
Hope you go soon x

You can safely go up to 43 weeks as long as the placenta is healthy. It is normal to go up to 42 weeks. Many women get induced when they are two weeks overdue. When you are admitted for induction you are continually monitored through out the process and if there are complications, for example if you do not dialate properly or the contractions fail to get going, the doctors will suggest a C-section. My advice to you is to go in to delivery with an open mind and listen to the midwives. They know what they are doing and will advise you on what to do. My own labour was full of complications. I had hypertension so my hope of a natural birth was scuppered when I had to be continually monitored with probes strapped to my bump. I couldnt move around and therefore had no chance of a waterbirth. The baby was also in the wrong position (back to back) and I failed to dilate properly (when my contractions were 1 minute apart I was still only 4cm dilated!). The midwife explained to me that because of the complications they would have a theatre on standby in case I needed a section. She also advised an epidural because my baby's heart rate kept dropping so it would be quicker if I needed an emergency c-section. I did as I was told and was eventually able to deliver naturally because I followed the advice of the midwife and consultant to the letter. Try not to worry too much, if you are concerned book in to see your midwife and as her about what will happen at induction or if you fail to go into labour naturally xx

i was in a similar position a week ago, 40+9 and panicking. I actually had a sweep which was successful (ish) on the tues and went into labour on thurs, she couldnt do a lot but it must have done something in there.

i eventually gave birth on 40+10 so dont give up all hope yet, it can happen once u relax and have an induction date, as the pressure is off a bit.

My midwife attempted a sweep on the tuesday, but couldn't do it as i had an unfavourable cervix. On the friday i went into labour at 41+1. So don't worry about them not being able to do it! I also had no warning he was on his way - woke up in the morning with a bit of backache, just under 7 hours later i was cuddling my baby! They normally only let you go 2 weeks over, but if there's any signs of something amiss with either of you they'll get you in sooner so don't worry! Good luck!
xxx