What do I choose?

[CartoBarto]

I was talking with my midwife about a planned c section and they mentioned how they can't book it until 36 weeks and can't be before 39, but said I could be induced at 37 or maybe earlier if I wanted so I could still be in control as most people go into labour before the planned c section, I don't understand what the difference would be for the baby if they came out 39 weeks c section or 37 weeks induction? Why couldn't they do a c section at 37 weeks? Looked at fluid in lungs as the reason but there doesn't seem to be that much of a difference

Babies born before 39 weeks tend to have a higher rate of needing help with breathing. A vaginal delivery lowers this a bit by their lungs being squeezed on the way out. But unless you have a medical reason to be induced/c section then make sure you know all the risks.

Im a midwife. Clinicians should not be agreeing to inductions or elective caesarean sections prior to 39 weeks without a genuine medical reason. Although 37 weeks is considered 'term', it is well known that babies born at this gestation have poorer feeding, higher incidence of respiratory distress etc than those born closer to 40 weeks. There is also significant fetal neurodevelopment that occurs from 37 weeks onwards. In the absence of a medical indication, he vaginal birth Vs C/S is a very personal choice and one you should do some research on. I'd recommend you read the positive birth book by Milli Hill and do antenatal classes if you haven't already.

As others have said you want baby to ideally stay put as long as possible, it's much better for their development.

Hi, I’m booked in for my second elective section next week at 39 + 5, last one was 39 + 2. Would agree they won’t book them before 39 without a medical reason.
The not booking them before 36 weeks is none sense. I requested mine at my 20 week scan and got the date shortly after.
Some trusts want to keep their costs/rates of c-sections down so will try and put you off. If you want one you are entitled and if they refuse they must refer you to another consultant. The NICE guidelines are really helpful on this, I took them in with me!

Listen carefully to the advice from professionals. If anything doesn't feel right, ask them questions.

Why are you looking at a pre term delivery?

I can only offer my experience, I found an early induction due to pre eclampsia awful. I needed forceps. The doctor said unfortunately early inductions can be like this as your body is not always wanting to play ball. I was around 37 weeks too. I was ever so glad to be let go full term next time, the birth was better. I was offered a section for the second after my first experience but with much consideration decided to just try a vaginal birth again as I felt if I was lucky enough for it to go smooth, I would have an easier recovery. As it happened, it wasn’t an awful recovery but I did have a second epistomy that was necessary due to the concern of the scar from the first rupturing. I always wish I had insisted on a section with my first, but as I said glad I didn’t with my second as the recovery was ok! Such a personal decision but I wouldn’t like to do anything early without a medical reason to! My first was in the nicu after and it was really tough.