When are medically indicated sections performed?

[spudballoo]

I will be having a section as my pelvic floor is trashed following a very serious 4th degree tear during the birth of my son (now 9 months old), and I have a colostomy bag as the damage is so bad.

My bum doctor (!) has told me I need to have a section and an early one to ensure I don't go in to labour as even a few hours of labour could potentially wreck any chance I have of ditching the wretched colostomy bag by doing further damage to my pelvic floor. My gynae consultant is in full agreement.

Just wondering when they will likely do it (should have asked, forgot, doh...pregnancy brain). I guess at 37 weeks?

Questions questions!

I am 8 weeks pregnant with a big surprise of a baby.

x

spudballoo, sorry to hear of your experience. I don't have specific knowledge of your situation, but I believe 37 weeks is considered term. When hospitals schedule elective sections depends on their policy but I believe 39 weeks to be the norm. In your case, they might schedule one between 37 and 39 weeks if you cannot even take the risk of a few hours' labour. Good luck with it!

I believe that current thinking is to put it off until at least 38 weeks (and prefer 39) if possible as there is a higher incidence of breathing problems in 37-weekers even though they are technically full term. I would guess in your case your consultant will weigh that up against your chances of going into labour before 38 weeks and the risk to you of even a short labour - may decide 37 weeks is more appropriate.

So ... umm ... not much improvement on "you'll need to ask them" (which you'd worked out for yourself)

It will of course be up to your hospital. But, my guess is they will try for 38 weeks. 39 is a bit risky on the labour front.

Mine is at 38 weeks.

Sorry to hear about your troubles.
Both mine were at 38 + 5 (babies that is not troubles)
Were you early with your ds? might have an influence on how you feel about it?