Elective CS - how do you decide on the date?

[SandraClegane]

Hey there,

I'm 14w with DC3 and after two previous EMCS have decided to go for an elective one this time.
As I'm seeing the consultant on Thursday, here's my question: How is the date decided on? How much input do you get?
I'd like to have the CS as close to the due date as possible - my other two were late (1 week/ 10 days) so I think the chances of me going into labour beforehand are slim. I'd like to give this baby as much time as I can (clearly my babies need to bake longer than the average); and frankly I want to get the birth day as far away from Christmas as possible (due date 9 Jan).

So, what was your experience? I know they usually do it at 39w if there's no medical reason, but is there any room to negotiate?

My consultant said 39 weeks for DS 1 and I said OK. I'm sure he/she will listen to your viewpoint as it is based on your experiences and you're not trying to make it earlier or fix it to fit in with other commitments.

You don't, really. The consultant decides - but one week before dd is usual.

You will be tied to the consultants operating days, they will have 1 or 2 set days a week when they operate.

I had an EMCS with DS and an elective with DD, done at 38 weeks, which was my consultants preferred time scale, but it's 38-39 weeks usually. I had it on a Monday because that was his theatre day. It was strange going the whole pregnancy knowing what date the baby was going to arrive though.

Chubfuddler - the consultant can't decide anything without your consent though surely??

I had two cs, I was told when I would be booked in but they were open to me changing the date by a day or so

Well no obviously not. But equally good luck performing your own.

Around 39 weeks is usual to minimise the chance of you going into natural labour before the appointment.

However I agree that you should have as much imput into this as you want or need.

It will be dependent on your history and perhaps the position of the baby towards the end of your pregnancy. Clearly they will be reluctant to risk you going into labour naturally if there's any reason why it might be risky for you or baby.

For example, I'm currently 31 weeks and have the option of vbac or elcs due to previous emcs. However this baby is currently breach anyway, so if it's not turned by 36 weeks I imagine they would strongly suggest a cs was scheduled at 39 weeks rather than say 41. But ultimately it's my choice. Notwithstanding fitting in with available appointments and dates which is the same for everyone.

Just checked cos I'm sad, one child born 8 days early ( cs originally scheduled 9 days before due date,) 2nd child born 7 days early ( cs originally scheduled 8 days before due date)

Where I had DS2, you had no choice. They operate in the week of your due date and the surgeons only do electives on certain weekdays. So mine was done at 39+5. I was told the date but had no reason to object as my elective was being done for medical reasons so I wanted it as late as possible to benefit the baby.

(I do think however if I had given birth naturally, I would have gone over 40 weeks as my first son was born at 41 weeks and looked a bit more finished than this one!)

(This was 5yrs ago).

My consultant said they do them at 39 weeks as by then the baby is 'cooked' and there is only a small chance of being admitted to special care.

The consultant tells you

Read the NICE guidelines. I think its 39 +4 or 5 because statistically that's when the lungs are fully developed. Worth reading as you'll understand why they tilt the bed to the left by 10 degrees (or whatever it is) when you go into surgery.

But its worth remembering that the booking diary has to accommodate everyone and a medium sized hospital doesn't like non emergency surgery at the weekend (presumably slightly less staff).

It will depend on when the Consultant's list is and when they've got space. There may be some scope to negotiate but that may mean being moved to another Consultant's list.

I'm having a C Section this Friday when I'll be 38 +6. I was initially tempted to ask for it to be delayed to the following week so I could be over 39 weeks and closer to due date. In the end have decided to stick with the date as it means that I'll have another weekend of help with DP before he goes back to work.

My EDD 40 weeks is a Saturday. I got offered the Monday, Wednesday or Thursday the week before. I've gone for the Monday as I bet I would have got to the Monday and be thinking why the bloody hell didn't i pick the Monday :o
Also last time I was in for 7 days so hopefully less chance if being in over a weekend this way.

Depends on your consultant. Mine said any date between 39 and 40 weeks was fine with him. He opened his diary and said pick your day! I chose my csection day because I liked the sound of the date!

I got to choose. My consultant basically opened his diary and asked me which date I would like - so I picked one which had very sentimental reasons for me. I was 39+3, so he was more than happy for it to happen then. Easy.

This info is really interesting. At what stage did you have the date scheduled?

I had mine scheduled at my consultant appointment after my 20 week scan.

At about 35 weeks.

Mine was scheduled at my 24 week consultant appointment - I was very surprised!

36 week appointment

Sounds as though it varies by hospital/case. Don't suppose anyone is under Frimley Park Hospital?

Mine is scheduled for bang on 39 weeks and i got the date at my 34 week consultant appointment. My hospital won't do an elcs before 39 weeks unless there is reason for it. Better for baby's lungs etc after 39 weeks....