ELCS at 38+3 - is it safe?

[cheesebubble]

Hello, I was offered to bring my section forward due to several health reasons. Now I've read that the risk of breathing problems is elevated if born via elective cesarean before 39 weeks.

Has anyone any positive stories about baby arriving via planned / elective cesarean at 38+ weeks but before 39?

Yes me, both of mine were born before 39weeks. DS1 was 34+6 and DS2 was exactly 38. Both fine and didn't need SCBU, which was surprising for DS1. In your case I think it should be just fine. What's the baby's estimated weight?

My twins were born by ELCS at 36+1 and neither needed any special medical intervention.

38 weeks is absolutely fine.

@pinkgin85 estimated weight is 7lbs4oz.

It's reassuring reading the good stories on here.

Had my elective at 37 weeks abc no issues

I had elcs at 37 weeks. Was given steroid injections to protect against breathing problems. DS was perfect, no issues.

If you go onto Eilidh Wells’ YouTube channel she has a video about a planned c section that ended up having to happen just before 37 weeks because she went into labour early. I have placenta praevia and the leaflet I was given said my elective section might be at 38 weeks

My baby was born at 32weeks by EMCS and her lungs were fine.... they wouldn't offer if they didn't think it was worthwhile.

I had one at 38 due to placenta previa and she was absolutely fine. I actually really enjoyed the experience and felt very in control of it all :) Good luck!

@Clarkey86 can I ask how close to 38 weeks yours was? I have it too and my leaflet said from 38 weeks but I was wondering if it was right before 39 or a whole week earlier than other planned sections?

I had ELCS at 38+4 due to a problem with the baby's heartbeat and it was fine, much, much better than the emergency CS I had had previously when DS got stuck on the way out.

Mine was dead on 38 weeks, I think it’s fairly common to go two weeks before due date - especially if they really want to avoid you going onto labour.

My ELCS was 39 weeks on the nose but only because the risks vs benefits meant that that was the best time. If it's best for you and baby that they are born a little before that then that's what to do. If they didn't think it was safe they wouldn't advise you to do it.

I had DS2 at 38+2. Brought forward from 39 weeks due to 99th centile and borderline gestational diabetes.
Consultant explained to me that the risk of transient tachypnoea of the newborn (breathing issues) was 1-2% if born at 39 weeks and 5% if born at 38 weeks.
I was reluctant but felt that I was willing to take the risk (as vast majority of babies will be fine after a few days in scbu).
As it happens, my baby was fine from a respiratory perspective but went to scbu for 12 hours due to low sugars from the diabetes but was absolutely fine.
The whole elective experience was fantastic compared to my first emergency section.
Good luck

Hi I had my twins at 38+3- no problems x

I had my perfectly healthy, chunky baby at 38 weeks via c section due to pre eclampsia

36+5 and 37+4 - went into labour ahead of planned section date both times. All fine, no special anything, home after the standard two nights on the ward. All grand!

Ps I also meant to add to my post to think carefully about steroids at 38 weeks. I didn’t personally think they were required and they come with some risks (so didn’t have them). The consultant told me she thinks the protocol will change and they won’t be offered at this stage due to emerging and discredited research.

I went in to spontaneous labour with both of mine, 1 at 38+1 and the second at 37+4. DC2 born by elective (but earlier than planned) section. Neither had breathing issues.