ELCS before 39 weeks because of previous abruption?

[JuliaLavender]

I had an abruption in my last pregnancy and gave birth prematurely. It was a "silent" abruption as I didn't visibly bleed, which meant that diagnosis was significantly delayed. I know that ELCS isn't normally scheduled before 39 weeks, but don't feel I can go all the way until then given what happened last time. Do I stand any chance of getting the consultant to agree to a CS at, say, 36 or 37 weeks?

I would say yes, but with reservations. My first DD was stillborn at 26 weeks due to severe pre-eclampsia (a silent abruption was one of the factors contributing to her death). I had life-threatening complications also.

Naturally I was hoping to get a lot further in my next pregancy and did - but when I was admitted to the ante-natal ward for unrelated (but potentially serious) complications at 37 weeks I really did not want to wait to 39+ and take any risks so was eventually delivered by ELCS (for my own peace of mind) at 38+2. I think I could have waited to 39+ if things had been going well though - and I don't think anyone would have wanted to justify delivering me earlier if everything had been going smoothly.

There are some risks to delivering before 39 weeks (albeit small). A slightly increased risk of respiratory problems. And these are higher if you need an ELCS (I was given steroids before delivery to minimise these risks).

With my history of such major complications and a tragic result though all the consultant obs are very aware that I might be finding pregnancy difficult. I don't think this is always the case for other traumatic births - so depends on your consultant really.