37weeks pregnant and need early section

[TerrazzoChips]

I am 37weeks pregnant. I have no partner. If I have a section this week or next my mum will be able to stay with me. If I wait until the 39weeks the hospital are saying I will be alone.

I feel terrible but baby is term and it would be so much easier having some support afterwards. What can I say to my midwife to convince her to support this?

Ds was born at 36+5 by emcs as I had pre eclampsia, full apgar scores weighing 6lb 4oz. All you can do is ask, could you manage if you managed 38 weeks?

I understand that you would like the help.
at the actual c-section there was a person there just to hold my hand and explain things to me. That was lovely. during the stay after the midwives were really lovely and helpful.
can you get a friend to come and pick you up? You won’t be able to drive, and if you need to take a cab you will still need a car seat.
i doubt anyone would think it was best for baby to be born that early.
could your mother cancel her plans? Could a friend stay with you? You might be able to hire a doula/ confinement person to stay with you for a few days.
get organised now… fill your freezer with food, buy nappies, some formula and bottles (even if you plan to bf), lots of nappies.
best of luck to you!

It’s not about the weight, it’s the maturity of the lungs. A previous poster has explained it perfectly. The lungs are not “primed” during a section the same as in a vaginal birth, hence why babies with immature lungs can struggle.

What is the reason your having a section? Thr hospital tried to force me to have a section at 37 weeks with my twins but I refused it.

I would think that they won't agree. The vast majority or babies born at 37 weeks will be fine but every extra day makes them stronger. And you won't forgive yourself if something goes wrong. My son was born at 37 + 5, needed resuscitation and unfortunately suddenly stopped breathing at a few days old. My experience is very much a worst case scenario, I must stress, but I think it's best to keep the baby in until 39 weeks if possible.

You can raise a request for maternal mental health, many women are allowed early sections for this reason when raised.

Or over egg your suffering in terms of late pregnancy.

This will only work if you’re already down for an elective though.

Did you have a section?

But the op hasn’t said she struggling with poor mental health. Why would you “over egg” anything if it meant putting your child at risk?

She asked for ways to get an early section, these are the most effective ways to do that.

OP, part of the reason sections are not performed when a pregnancy is progressing well is due dates can sometimes not be accurate your baby might be less than 37 weeks and the risks of health problems after birth or later in life are then even higher.

are not performed *early

They won't section you for the reason you have given. Thirty seven weekers are at much higher risk of NNU admission due to respiratory complications, low birth weight, feeding problems and hypoglycaemia. Steroids are given to all women prior to elective section to mature baby's lungs and in preparation for the birth which is obviously different from a vaginal birth.

Your midwife cannot arrange this for you and you would need to discuss all the pros and cons of this with your consultant. If they agree be prepared to possibly end up with your baby in NNU and you visiting from the ward then home

As pp suggested playing on your mental health or suffering in latter stages of labour doesn't always work and could impact on your baby and subsequently additional cost to the NHS.

As others have said nobody is going to sign off on early c section unless medical need.

While it would be easier with help from your mum, it's not so bad doing it alone. I was on my own for my section and it was fine. DP was out of the country.

For the actual surgery you're not really'alone' there's a room full of people talking to you. I had a great anaesthetist keeping my spirits up and taking photos for me. In recovery and on the ward you can press the button for a midwife if you need anything. You'll be 100% wrapped up in your baby. Mine fed constantly.

Back home (you'll need to arrange transport and get someone to carry your bags) just make sure you've arranged everything so it's within easy reach and you're not having to lift anything. Put the pram up so its ready to walk out of the door, that kind of thing.

I'd be totally happy doing it all alone again.

Surely it makes more sense for your Mum to rearrange whatever she is doing rather than make your baby be born early for no good medical reason! YABVVVU

At 37 weeks it became clear that I would need a planned section, as any attempt at labour would be potentially catastrophic for DD. Instead of operating immediately, I was kept in hospital for 10 days (to be near a theatre in case I went into natural labour) as that was better for DD. That's how much better a section at 39 weeks is for your baby.

So I really don't think you can ask to have your baby early because its more convenient.

Do you have other kids aswell?
Where is your mum and when is she back?
Why are you having a c section?
That could change things but just because 37w is considered "term" doesn't mean there aren't complications with being early.

Cs at 37 weeks is significantly more risky for the baby than at 39 weeks.

I had a section in Aug at 38 weeks. My consultant said from the beginning of the pregnancy that she would plan to do it at 38 weeks if all was ok, or 37 weeks if my mental health was suffering. So, it is possible but I doubt they would do it purely on the basis of your mum being there to support you.

This!

sadly many on here are posting about something they have no clue about, it’s definitely possible to get a section at 37 weeks.

My baby was recently born at 35.5 weeks by c section and had to be resuscitated and placed on a ventilator due to the fact his lungs were underdeveloped and had fluid on them. This is why they don’t do sections before 39 weeks unless they have to. Please do not push for an early section, we could have lost him.

Yeah doesn't work like that I'm afraid. Lots of single mums do it on their own and are expected to cope....but what is your mum doing that's more important than helping you 2 weeks later??

recovering totally alone after a section is no joke

it will be really hard and I really sympathise op

people saying grow up are stupid and insensitive

if your mum really really can’t help can you be put in touch with your health visitor and home start

could you maybe stretch financially to employ a mums help type person. Ask on local fb pages. Just someone to come round do some laundry, make you some lunch, make sure you have nappies accessible etc for an hour a day maybe ? Might suit a Childcare student at local college

do mention this to your midwife. Delivering early might not be the best idea but you do need support in place

Speak to the consultant.

I know 37 weeks is term but I had two
sections at 37 weeks on the dot (planned sections but happened early as I went into spontaneous labour and the other as I’d been in hospital 4 times in the previous week with small bleeds, they wanted her out asap). Both babies had breathing problems after birth and needed help.

My section at 39+2, my baby was completely fine.

So I would be wary. Those two weeks can make a huge difference to the baby.

I was in a lot of pain during pregnancy and was completely refused a caesarean before 39 weeks because it wasn't the best thing for the baby (and my midwife supported me in requesting 38 weeks!).

I can't imagine they'll do it because it's more convenient for you, but there's no harm in asking.

@ClaretBarret your post shows YOU don’t have a clue.
caesareans are avoided prior to 39 weeks unless the risks outweigh the benefits. Only when absolutely medically necessary are caesareans carried out at earlier gestations, and usually mum will have had steroids to mature babies lungs. Steroids come with risks to baby. I don’t know why anyone would risk this for convenience.