When should my c-section take place

[mojomands]

I'm having a planned c-section and wondered what the normal procedure is - by that I mean during which week of my pregnancy should it take place???

38 or 39 weeks
at our local hospital its 38 weeks for an otherwise uncomplicated pregrnancy, but if i had the choice i'd try to hang on for another week as nice guidelines suggest fewer babies experience breathing problems with a 39 weeks delivery.

So 39 + 3 is a bit late then - I'm worried I may go into labour b4?

So 39 + 3 is a bit late then - I'm worried I may go into labour b4?

38 - 39 weeks depending, 38 more common...i believe

why a c.s ..that can have a bearing..

did you have go into labour earlier than that with another pregnancy/

39 +3 seems very specific?

he just decided on a date when i saw him - i was on time last time.

At my hospital its usually 39+ for a first baby, but as Lulu says it depends on reason for section...I'm having mine at exactly 38 weeks because its a second baby and they really do'nt want me to go into labour before it (transverse lie). If labour wouldn't be dangerous per se, I would go for 39 or 39+ because you can always get to hospital in labour and have a section once there. If you need to avoid labour, then 38 weeks is a safer bet.

agree elibean...there is no mechanism to deliver a transverse baby...where as there is for , say, a breech baby.....

so 39 + might be appropriate for you....was your first baby vaginal or c.s?

I'm having my second section at 39+4.... it does depend on reason for section i think

most hospitals here like you to have one around 38 weeks. I am seeing my consultant and asking for my elective to be around 39+3 at least. With dd2 I went til 41+3 until I had my elective section and was showing no sign of going into labour.

Are you far from the hospital? If you went into labor say in the middle of the night and you were at home, could you realistically get yourself to the hospital without risking the health of you/baby/any other children involved?

I had this dilemma when I had DS. The hospital was about a 2 hour commmunte in rush hour, I had a 2 year old, and my husband works away. So I was very uncomfortable with prospect of going into labour and having to show up at the hospital with a 2 year old in tow. I did have the section at 38 + 5, but it took some persuading.

I think you have to balance the risks of going into labour before the section with the risks of an earlier delivery.