C-Section Timing: 38 or 39 weeks WWYD?

[Booper13]

DS2 was born by emcs due to a prolapsed cord. I had what is known as a T-Section which means my uterus was cut both sideways and up and down.I have been told that a cs is always recommended after a T due to increased risk of uterine rupture during labour.
I'm now expecting 3rd baby and have to decide whether to have it at 38 weeks or 39. In normal circumstances it would be 39, however, due to increased risk of uterine rupture if I go into labour, my consultant has said there is a case for doing it at 38 weeks and I should decide.
39 weeks has risk of breathing difficulties in baby of 2%, 38 weeks 5%.
If I go into labour before cs date, I will need to go to hospital IMMEDIATELY for emcs due to rupture risk. I live 30 mins from hospital in non rush hour, but up to 1 hour 15 at busy times. Also, need parents to look after DS1&2 and they live 4 hours away, so early labour would be v tricky from a childcare perspective as well as risky for baby and me if delay getting to hospital. DS2 was born at 38 weeks and DS1 at 40.
WWYD - all advice and suggestions gratefully received.

Is there any chance you could ask for an amnio just before a scheduled c-section at 38 weeks to check for lung maturity? It's something they routinely do in the US but I don't know about over here.

I'm going for 38w2d as I can't be allowed to labour for long in my situation (different to yours, but the risk of rupture is also pretty high if left for too long) - they won't let me have an ELCS any sooner.

My baby was born by ElCS at 38 + 2 with no problems whatsoever. I know it's not proof as such but nobody in the hospital was the slightest bit worried that he was coming too early.

38 weeks - good luck and congratulations

you could go to hospital by ambulance so that would be quicker
So I'd want to know - what are the risks of uterine rupture in % terms and how far into labour would the risk be most likely? So if you could be rushed in at the first twinge would it still be high risk? How does that risk compare to the risks of breathing difficulties and is it a similar kind of risk?
can you split the difference and go at 38.5?
I'd go for 39 weeks but only cos ds1 did have breathing problems after c section - then again, he was 37 weeks not 38. If I hadn't had that situation myself, I'd be tempted to go for 38 weeks

Just to add that I wouldn't rush home afterwards and avoid lots of visitors (viral bugs etc) until baby is bigger and nearer term. My DS was 37 weeks and we did have a rocky time initially, however in your situation I would go for 38 weeks.

Thanks for the replies.
Mercibucket - the risk of rupture would increase as labour progressed. I think if I rushed in at the first twinge it would be pretty low risk (although there would be the childcare issue for DS1&2)Apparently the data for this is not particularly robust so a specific percentage cannot be given. I too would have liked to compare an exact figure for each scenario. Sorry your baby had breathing probs, hope all is well now. I would be very traumatised if this happened (was fortunate it didn't with DS2 born at 38 weeks)
Sparklies - hadn't heard of amnio for lung maturity. Good luck with your cs, hope all goes well.
TTBMP - yes, intending to stay for as long as poss (especially if I'm lucky enough to get my own room).

Given you've had one at 38 weeks before I'd go for 38 rather than 39. So much better to have it all done in a calm and controlled way. And in the unlikely even there is a problem with the baby breathing you will be in the right place and they will be ready for it.

Good luck.

I would go for 38 weeks, not least because your anxiety levels will increase if you are waiting and worrying about the risk of a natural labour.

FWIW I am being induced at 37+3

The physical risks of me going into labour naturally are virtually non existent but my consultant has no issue with an induction at that point.

I have had experience of DC1 being born at 36+1 and DC2 being born at 37+2 both without issue.

I just had Dd at 39 by elscs and was surprised how 'less cooked' she was than my other two born at 40 weeks so I'd go the 39 weeks. I had steroids with Dd 1 in case if prem labour. Maybe that's sn
Option before 38 week elscs.

I had dc2 by elcs at 38+3 & he didn't suffer any breathing problems as such but he was a lot more mucousy than dc1, born at 39+2.

Congratulations and good luck

Im surprised that the decision isn't being made for you. I was at risk of cord rupture and was admitted on the spot at 34 weeks, and had to stay in hospital until delivery at 36 weeks. I was having twins so term is earlier but they were fine, no probs at all. But my consultant made the call about delivery timing, not me.

I might have to have an ELCS (this is DC1 for me) but I've been told it would have to be at 38 weeks.

And, if it helps, my younger sister was an ELCS at 37 weeks (mum's consultant was going skiing ), she was fine, although a little skinnier than I was at 10 days late.

Have had one planned at 38, and on emergency at 40. If it were me I would go for the earlier option.

39 weeks because it really does make a difference wrt to the baby's breathing etc, your consultant should be advising you the safest course of action

I'd go for 38 weeks.

I chose to have my c-section with my DS3 at 36 weeks, he did have a few problems for the first couple of weeks but is a healthy 3 year old now. Medically my pregnancy with him was fine and no need as such to have him so early but it was a matter of weighing up risks.

Good luck with whichever week you choose.

Thanks for all your replies. I did ask the consultant what she would recommend but she said it really was a tricky one with pros and cons each way, so essentially I would just have to decide what was best for me/my circumstances.
From what she's said, and everyone's replies I think there really is no right or wrong answer.
If I wait until 39 weeks I will prob be very worried about going into labour before CS date and the implications of that for both baby and me and childcare for DS1&2. Really don't want to have to go for CS alone as DH has to look after DS1&2 and parents take 4 hours to travel to us.
I may try to arrange for somewhere between 38 & 39 and hedge my bets a bit.
Thanks again for your replies, it has helped me to think things through and figure out what I want. Although I'm so indecisive I'll probably change my mind a further 30 or so times............

Thanks for all your replies. I did ask the consultant what she would recommend but she said it really was a tricky one with pros and cons each way, so essentially I would just have to decide what was best for me/my circumstances.
From what she's said, and everyone's replies I think there really is no right or wrong answer.
If I wait until 39 weeks I will prob be very worried about going into labour before CS date and the implications of that for both baby and me and childcare for DS1&2. Really don't want to have to go for CS alone as DH has to look after DS1&2 and parents take 4 hours to travel to us.
I may try to arrange for somewhere between 38 & 39 and hedge my bets a bit.
Thanks again for your replies, it has helped me to think things through and figure out what I want. Although I'm so indecisive I'll probably change my mind a further 30 or so times............