Booked in for c-section, if things start happening at what point do I go in/call?

[flowerybeanbag]

I'm booked in for a c-section at 39+4. I'm now 36+5. I've been having quite a lot of Braxton Hicks the last few days quite painful so it's just made me wonder.

The current plan is that if I do go into labour, they will check me out and if I am very far along and feeling happy to go ahead with a vb fine, if not or not, then they'll do my c-section there and then. Fine.

But I've just thought, obviously when expecting a vb, there is obviously guidance about how long to leave it before ringing the hospital/going in. But if I'm supposed to have a c-section presumably I shouldn't leave it nearly as long, in which case when do I ring?

I will of course ask my midwife but I don't have an appointment with her until 38+3 so it occurred to me that getting other people's experiences in the meantime might be a plan just in case!

[maybebaby23]

I have been wondering about this myself. Im booked in for 39+3 and have never experienced labour, not even the start (DD1 breech cs at 39 weeks) so wouldn't know when to call! Will be watching this thread

[Pinkjenny]

maybebaby23 - snap!

[maybebaby23]

pinkjenny am i right in thinking that you are due on new years eve?? Or am i thinking of someone else! Im sure it was your post i read with same due date as me.. If so is your section booked for 28th dec too?

[MarkStretch]

I had a CS in feb but like you was going to try for a VBAC if things started happening before my CS date.

My CS was booked for the tuesday and I went in the previous friday with high BP and bleeding and was told I was contracting every 5 mins (I had no idea!). They told me to go home, have sex, eat curry etc. and come back when things started going.

Well that was what the midwives said.

The consultant said ring immediately if you think things are happening.

I suppose they have to think about operating schedules etc.

As it turned out nothing happened and I went in on the Tuesday and had DS by CS.

Can your midwives advise you?

[MarkStretch]

Sorry, just saw you don't have a midwives appointment for a while. I would say ring early-ish so they can plan ahead.

[MrsJamin]

I'd say immediately. I had a CS booked as DS was breech but went into labour and phoned them right away. They need more people and particular rooms to do an 'elective-style' C-section so need as much notice as possible. If you don't give them enough notice your level of care may suffer - best to phone as soon as you can.

[flowerybeanbag]

thanks all

So as soon as I have anything remotely resembling regular contractions then for example? Or if my waters break or anything?

You'd never believe I'd had a vb before would you, from how clueless I sound?

With DS everything took so LONG I was having regular contractions from Wednesday, didn't go in to hospital until Friday night, and was sent home again until Saturday then didn't have him til Sunday.

But I guess if anything does happen before it's supposed to, it's fairly likely to be quicker anyway (blardy hope so...) and as you say, they need as much notice as possible don't they?

[Pinkjenny]

Hi maybe - yes 31st Dec, section booked for 29th though, they won't do it on the 28th as it's a bank holiday.

[maybebaby23]

Oh my gosh pinkjenny i didn't know that!! God knows why they have booked me in for 28th then!! I guess they will change it when they realise lol.