Elective section at 38+3. Come talk to me about breathing difficulties. Have I made the right choice?

[nevergoogle]

Yesterday I pleaded with the consultant to bring my section date forward to next week. They advised that there is a increased risk of breathing difficulties and I've had two lots of steroid injections in preparation.

My reasons are SPD, pain and immobility. Now I understand that these don't affect the baby (I'm also a physio so I know what can and can't be done) and bringing the date forward is entirely for my benefit. Have also been on anti-emetics since week 15 and have felt sick and hungover and drowsy and unable to work for most of the pregnancy. I've simply had enough of not being able to function. (have two older children also).

Anyway, I'm tearful and utterly fed up.

The only other date they could suggest is at 39+3 but with the likelihood not only that I would get bumped for another priority case but that it might be to a whole new list which could be after 40 weeks.

Also my first baby was born with group b strep pneumonia and had severe breathing difficulties/SCBU/tube fed/delayed breastfeeding/difficulty latching. It's hard to make a decision that may increase the risk of this happening again although I am at least prepared for what that can entail.

But I'm at the end of my tether.

Any advice? I don't want to change my mind as such, I just want to feel less worried that I'm making a terrible mistake.

I had vaginal delivery at 36+2 and she was fine. Wasn't breathing initially but no problems once she got going. I think you are worrying about what the NHS have to warn you could remotely possibly happen

thanks, yes, i think i would be worrying anyway. pregnancy and childbirth isn't something isn't my favourite thing and have to say i haven't enjoyed one bit of this pregnancy at all.

the decision is made, i just need to get through tuesday and find an optimistic perspective.

I do wonder if babies who have difficulties (especially with steroids) at post 38 weeks would have had difficulties anyway - or at least at 39 weeks when they agree to c-sections. It is such a tenuous line, just a few days, between 38-39 weeks. I know there is research backing up the NICE guidelines for 39 weeks but percentage-wise I wonder how significant the difference really is?

I have four DC. The latest was an ELCS at 38+2.. no issues, and no steroids. The others chose their own birthdays, pretty much, and were 35+5 (steroids, but over a week before so don't really count), 36+6 and 37+2. All of them were absolutely fine and came out screaming and needed no special care.

Good luck with it all!

I know, it's only 4 days!