HELP - Elective C Section Date.

[AutumnLeavesandCandleLights]

I've been going back and forth between a VBAC or elective c section for months now, and I think I'm starting to lean more towards a caesarean delivery. I have my final Consultant appointment in 4 weeks time but would just like to get some experiences before then.


I'm due on the 7th January, meaning Christmas Eve I turn 38 weeks and New Years Eve I become 39 weeks.

My waters went with my first baby 11 months ago at 39+1 and he was born at 39+3. I know this isn't a real indication that I'll go early this time around, but I was just wondering when you think I'll likely be booked in for?

I know a lot of hospitals operate on a strict 'not before 39 weeks' policy, and if that's the case then they obviously won't do my c section on New Years Ever or New Years Day. That means I'll have a couple of days at the start of January just before my Due Date in which to potentially be booked in, but I am wary about going in to labour on my own and needing an emergency c section as a result.



So, experiences of any planned c section around the end of the year and how they squeezed you in around the holidays would be appreciated!

[VivaLeBeaver]

I work on a labour ward and we would do it new years eve or first available date after new years day depending on available slots.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Sorry. Realised nye is a sunday this year so after new years day.

[SleveMcDichael]

This isn't what you asked about, but I had an emergency c-section with DD who decided to start arriving two weeks before my booked section date. I can honestly say I can't see how it could have been calmer or more straightforward if it had been on my elective date - it just wouldn't have happened at 5am! It was an "emergency" in sense that I didn't have an appointment for it, but it wasn't an 'urgent' emergency IYKWIM. That's just my experience but based on that I wouldn't give a second thought to going into labour early another time.

[oldlaundbooth]

I was basically due at the same time as you, they scheduled me in for the first week of the new year.

[AutumnLeavesandCandleLights]

Thanks for all the replies!
I am hoping to go in some time between Boxing Day and New Year's Eve, but I understand I can't be picky or choosey.

Hopefully the Consultant will be able to work with me on a date rather than just telling me a day and having no leeway on it!

[VivaLeBeaver]

Depends how strict they are about the rcog 39 week guidance. If they agree to between Boxing Day and nye you may have to have 2x steroid injections as per guidance. All the doctors I know wouldn't risk not following the guidance because if they didn't follow it and there was a poor outcome you would be able to sue the arse off them.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Well the hospital rather than the doctor personally.

[NamesNamesAndMoreNames]

I'm due before you and 39 weeks on Xmas day! They offered me some flexibility and we're happy to offer me 38+5 (23rd) or the 27th when I'll be just gone 39.

I've actually gone with the 39+ date as I felt confident that if anything were to happen earlier, I'd still get my section as planned, it just wouldn't be 'elective' and would be classed as an emergency. Also the statistics do show that baby's born by planned sections at 38 weeks are slightly more likely to need extra care/help than those born post 39 weeks.

[TanginaBarrons]

I'm having a 4th c-section on 8th December when I will be 39 + 1. I went into spontaneous labour with dc1 at 37 + 6 but would still rather let this one cook as long as possible. With dc3 I had an elcs at 38+ 5 and he was born with respiratory distress syndrome and it was awful.

Even with a 4 cs they don't seem too alarmed about spontaneous labour and said to just come straight in if it happens. No talk of scar rupture or panic.