What happens if you go into labour before elective c-section?

[Hummingbird82]

I'm due an elective c-section in two and half weeks, I chose a c-section due to a third degree tear and severe blood loss with my first.

What happens if I go into labour before my planned c-section? I'm a little anxious about it as having lots of signs that he may come early. I'm worried that they'll refuse my section if I go into labour early? Has that happened to anyone?

[Hollielouise]

I'm also due an elective section in 3 weeks as I've had hip surgery so is a safer option and I asked the same question about early labour! My hospital said to just phone them if contractions start/water breaks and explain that you are due to be having a c section. It would obviously be slightly more rushed than a calm pre-planned section on the day with no labour but still plenty of time without it being a mad rush. But definitely ask your midwife/hospital. Xx

[puzzledpiece]

You phone the labour ward as soon as possible and think you're in labour, and they will try to organise the c section. It will probably be more difficult though. If its night it may be a difficult thing to arrange. They won't do it as an emergency, but try to monitor. They don't like doing sections on women in full labour as the head may start to go down.

[Coronasaurus]

This happened to me....you can still have the section, it's just classed as Emcs for some reason

[sel2223]

I am due an ELCS in around 5 weeks and had this conversation with the consultant just last week.

Apparently, it is still totally fine to have a section, they would just rather you came in early so they had plenty of time (unlike with a natural birth where they encourage you to stay at home as long as possible).
If you are more than 8cm dilated then it becomes more of an emergency section but it's still possible, there are just more risks that they will want to make you aware of.

They've already added my wishes to my record and sent me a letter confirming our conversation.

[Ostanovka]

I still had a section, I was 7cm. It was fine, much better than first birth which sounds like yours!

[Hummingbird82]

Thank you! These replies are really reassuring. I think for some reason I thought once you were about 3cm dilated that it'd be too late for a section. I'll relax a bit now

[StarsOnAMat]

I went into labour a week before my c section date, in the middle of the night. When I arrived, the only surgical team had just started an emergency. I progressed too quickly to wait for them to come back and gave birth vaginally an hour after arriving. They should try to accommodate your request but it depends what else is going on at the time.

[Quackersandcheese3]

My hospitality said just to phone up an explain the situation and I’d still get my c section. Good luck x

[Useruseruserusee]

OP I chose an elective section for the same reason as you - I had massive tearing and a 3 litre haemorrhage the first time.

My c-section was amazing. It was so calm and I felt in complete control because I had chosen it. I really hope you get the same positive experience as it really helped me heal from my first birth.

[HollyBollyBooBoo]

It would really depend on how fast the baby comes versus how fast you could get to hospital and into theatre.

[Tallace]

This happen to me - my waters broke and I went straight to hospital. I was minutes away from been wheeled down for the cs but there was an emergency that took priority over me so I had to give birth.