Waiting list for elective c-section?

[Noto]

Hello. Have been told I need a c-section at 39 weeks by my obstetrician. However, when he called St Thomas’s to arrange we were told there were “no slots left” so I have to wait until one becomes available (I.e. if someone on the ELCS list gives birth early). I’m now 37+4 and have called the hospital a couple of times (have no way of contacting obstetrician) - they keep just saying they’ll let me know. It’s really stressful not having a date, and I’m worried that a slot won’t come up before I go into labour! Has anyone experienced this? When did you get your date?

Hi similar situation! Was ment to have planned c section on 16th at 39 weeks however due to no dates from 39-40 weeks they have had to fetch mine forward to 38 weeks and given me steroid shots I would push for this xx

Ooh thanks, I will ask whether that's an option. Although having spoken to them it sounds like there are women still waiting for a date the week before me too, so 38 weeks might not be possible. Seems like such a ridiculous system, I just want some certainty!

Yes crazy!!

That's really annoying! I'm 33+4 and had an appointment with my consultant yesterday and told her I want to book in my planned section date. She said no it's too early we don't book it in until 37 weeks! I said I would really like to plan ahead because my mum needs to come from abroad so in the end she did book me a slot provisionally which I'm glad I insisted because if I left it I could have been in your situation!

I hope you find a slot soon, it's not nice knowing what to expect!

My consultant said I can have my c section date at my 28 week appointment she's put it in my notes but said if it's not her I see and one of her team instead to remind them to give it me so I have plenty of time to plan

@pinkstar01 Ahh you were sensible - I had an appointment at 34 weeks which is when they first mentioned c-section, but there was no indication at the time that slots would get booked up so I didn't even think it would be an issue. I'm annoyed they didn't just book me in then.

@mummylanie3 That's good - I guess part of the problem is that I didn't know until quite late on that I would need a c-section, but there must be loads of people in the same situation as me who have it confirmed not long before the due date.

@noto yeah I'm sure there is I requested one at 12 week appointment and to be sterilised at same time she said yes asked if I needed to plan care for my other children I said yes it would be better the more notice I have so she said I could have it at 28 weeks my first was an emergency c section other two were vbac xx