Earliest timing of ELCS

[ValiumQueen]

I am due DC3 in October, and will be having an ELCS again. With DD2 I had her at 39+3. What is the earliest date I can realistically ask for an ELCS? Has anyone been offered one before 39 weeks?. (It is a singleton.)

My 3rd c-section was at 36 weeks (not really a medical need for it to be so early but previous pg ended badly) but I'd if I were to do it again I'd hold off at least an extra week. I can't imagine they'd go under 38 weeks as a matter of course usually.

OvO sorry to hear about your previous pregnancy ending badly - I can understand why they would agree to 36 weeks for you. I am hoping for around 38 weeks.

Thank you.

38 weeks sounds perfectly reasonable. It just depends on your hospital/consultant. When I had my DS1 they did planned sections as close to your due date as possible but with my other two (different hospital) they were much more flexible and were happy to haggle with you about dates from 38 weeks.

Good luck!

Thank you OvO

I think the thing is they want to get it as close to 39 weeks as possible, because it is much better for the babies breathing the closer to term it is, and even a week can be a big difference, especially if there is any discrepancy with your dates.

Hazey that is what I am figuring, and although I want this baby out as soon as possible, I do not want to risk its health. I have big babies, and had horrendous SPD last time. I am dreading the last few weeks.

My obs told me that 39 weeks is optimum for ELCS, not earlier unless it can't be helped. I had my first at 38+5.

I am having one at 39 weeks.
Don't really want it earlier as I am petrified of baby having any breathing problems...aslo I think there is a discrepency and I am actually a week behind anyway..
I have bad SPD as well as a rotated pelvis which is wearing on my knees and spinal disks ...but i would rather take it easy and stay home the extra few weeks and still have it at week 39 (the official week 39)

39 weeks is standard timing, for the lowest risk of respiratory problems for the baby.

Dd was delivered by ELCS at 38 weeks, due to being breech. I think under those circumstances, leaving it later is considered risky, in case you go into labour. She was absolutely fine, no ill effects from being delivered at that stage.

Thank you for your replies. Very informative.

DD1 was 38 weeks as it was 7 yrs ago and that was when they did it then.

But now they do try to do it as close to EDD as possible, as other posters say quite a high percentage of the babies had wet lungs.
I guess the dates just have to be a little bit wrong and the baby could be almost quite premature.