another elective c/s question (sorry!)

[jamiesam]

Did (or will...) you have to wait until you were 36 weeks before you could agree the date for your c/s?

I will be having elective c/s in October and at 12weeks appt with consultant (which wasn't my best moment ever, altogether) he said come back at 36 weeks and we'll agree a date for c/s.

But why do I have to wait to agree a date? The reason for the c/s is not going to change between then and now. Is this general practice?

Over to you...

For dd2 I was booked in at 36 weeks'. Right up until then the consultant was trying to persuade me to have a VBAC (the silly old s*d said, 'Don't you want a birth experience?' Er, do you? and Where do you think I got dd1? The stork?) Dd2 made the decision by being breech.

For ds I was booked in by a different consultant at 20 weeks' when I had my scan. No suggestion of a VBAC. I'm now trying to get it brought forward because I've got huge and have had a few problems which couldn't have been forseen then. So maybe a later booking would have been better in the end.

nearlythree - I can understand if you have a changing situation and might need to review the date nearer the time.

But for me, this will be my third baby (snap!). I've had an em c/s, then a vbac. I had a third degree tear with vbac as a result of which consultants recommend I have an elective c/s this time around. So the reason for c/s isn't going to change and as far as I am concerned, could have been booked at 12 weeks appt...

I didn't think my situation was going to change either - right from the start I've been having an elective section. I couldn't forsee that at 30 week's I was going to be hospitalised with a virus, which has left me with post-viral fatigue, and I'm also anaemic and the size of a mini metro, which again I couldn't have forseen (there is too much amniotic fluid) - with dd2 I found it very easy to wait until 39 weeks, but it's been much tougher this time around. At the time it was booked I was pleased I wouldn't have any more trips to the hospital, but now I wish I was having regular monitoring there, however good my GP is. As I said, there was nothing to indicate at 20 weeks' that this was not going to be straightforward.

Sorry you're having such a tough time of pg nearlythree.

I didn't express myself very well in my last post. What I meant to say was that if you have a changing situation or if there is an entirely new (extra?) reason for a c/s I can understand that you might need to review a previously set date.

What I mean for me is that IF no new medical condition were to appear, why do I have to wait until 36 weeks to book the date of my c/s? Obviously, if a date had been set but then circumstances changed, then I'd expect to be able to review/change the date... But I get the impression from your post that that is easier said than done?

Oh dear, I don't think that's any better is it. Must be bedtime!

Yep afraid so, i saw my consultant last week (@ 25 weeks pg) and i have been told i will have to go back at 36 weeks to be given my date.

Also my elective c-section is for the same reason as you, previous 3rd degree tear.

I went for my first prenatal visit on Monday at 8 weeks and she said to let her know what day I wanted to schedule. We're doing it at 38 weeks.

Maybe it's different in the US?

Bump / Does anyone know why you have to wait until 36 weeks to book your elective c/s?

I was given my date for my elective section at an 18 week scan!

Yes! I had to go through the same routine with Queen Charlotte. And when I looked at my notes after leaving the consultant had written that I was unsure about how I wanted to deliver and was happy to revisit the conversation at 36 weeks. The truth is I reluctantly agreed, but I wasn't really happy about it. So I added my version of the conversation to the notes. I did have to wait until 36 weeks to schedule the section.

My guess is that they do this so that people don't book up the whole section schedule 6 months in advance. But, that really doesn't make much sense to me. Is this also why I can't get a GP appointment which is more than 2 weeks into the future?

Oh, and when I went in at 36 weeks, the 39+0 day was all booked up, so we then had to argue 39+4 vs 38+4. I got it on 38+4, but only after a lot of pleading and arguing my interpretation of the stats.

Hmmmm... I'm in position of not REALLY wanting an elective c/s but doctors advice and all (blah blah).

The registrar that I saw at 12 weeks appt(who I subsequently realised was an idiot) advised me that I must have my c/s at 38 weeks, as baby will be ready then even if I'm not. Fortunately I've since discussed this with my MW who, aside from confirming that registrar is bloody idiot, advised that it is my decision when I have the c/s. But I'd rather make that decision now, for c/s at 39 weeks (accepting that if either my or my baby's health changed then we might need to review date of c/s...) rather than wait for 36 week appt. If that same registrar is on duty, I'm not sure I'd be up for a stand up arguement, but I bloody am now (only 16 weeks).

Jamie- Like pucca, I am also having an elective due to a previous 3rd degree tear. My date for the section is at 39 weeks. I got that booked at a 31 week consultant's appointment.
At my local hospitl they cheerfully explain that electives are like booking spots for aircraft coming into the airport so they like to do it quite early...
Best of luck.

Jamiesam...Tbh i can't see why they would book your section @ 12 weeks! so much could happen between now and then, which this is why me being even 25 weeks i just accepted that i would have to wait till 36 weeks, also you were lucky to see your consultant so early on, i was told the consultant wouldn't see me till the pregnancy was "viable" at 24 weeks because things can and do go wrong.

I can totally understand why they don't want to book so far in advance.

Hi, thanks for more advice.

I guess I was wondering if there was any actual medical reason to wait until 36 weeks before booking an elective c/s. I've had two very straightforward pg previously, so confidently expect this one to go the same way (and yes, I know how ridiculous that is!)

I think what you're all telling me is that this is just down to different hospital policy and doesn't have a reason as such. Oh, btw, I think I get to see consultant at 20 week scan as well - if so, will be an opportunity for me to log again my wish for 39 wk c/s (if nothing goes wrong before then)

Pucca, I am genuinely shocked that consultant not interested in seeing you before 24 weeks and pg 'viable'. In my post m/c state, that would have prob pushed me over the edge at my 12 week appt at hosp!

I insisted seeing a consultant (registar in the end) at 20 weeks to agree a c/section in principal, but they won't give a date until 34 weeks. Not too bothered though. Have agreed if I go into early labour to come into hospital ASAP for a c/section. Policies seem to change from place to place. Mine is Princess Royal, Haywards Heath.