Choosing date for second casear?

[megan789]

Hi. I had an emergency caeasar first time around and for the next one I am going to opt for a caesar straight up. (not opening up a debate for natural vs caesar). But I was wondering if it possible to wait until contractions begin so baby comes when s/he is ready? Or if it has to be set before then?

My understanding is if you wait till you go into natural labour it will become an emergency section. As far as I know they will only make an appointment for 38-39 weeks for an ELCS mostly 39 weeks unless there is a medical reason to do it sooner.

Also I may be wrong here but it is my understanding that if you get to fully dilated then they either can't or prefer not to do a section unless there is a problem, but I may be wrong on the last bit, someone with more knowledge will hopefully come along soon.

This is a fine example of something to talk through with consultant.

I know 2 people who have done it. There should be nothing wrong with waiting for a baby to be ready to enter the world, but both had to be quite stroppy about it.

One of them got round it by agreeing to a "trial of labour" under the proviso that at any point she could opt for a c-section. She laboured a bit, enjoyed the contractions and then requested the section as she had (secretly) plotted.

It doesn't get classed as an elective c-section, but rather an emergency one. Change consultants or get a 2nd opinion if they don't seem keen, or wish to schedule you in. Remember, arranging a date in advance is usually for their convenience, not yours. And it's their job to accommodate you, not the other way round.

All the best.

I was given 39+0 as earliest possible date (which I then chose) and it was discussed whether I would want to try VBAC if it starts earlier than that (answer: no)

Obviously, if the child is halfway out they can't do a section safely anymore, so I will keep my legs crossed and keep ringing their triage line as soon as I get any twinges.