How close to due date can you have an elective c-section?

[ThomasinaLivesHere]

I’m interested in hearing from those who’ve had elective c-sections - did you get options on dates or just given a date and if you could choose was it possible to be a day or two before the c-section or did they require you to be a week before? Thank you.

They try and avoid before 39 weeks as it affects their performance data.

Bang on your due date risks you going into labour before your ELCS. Hence them aiming for 39 weeks where possible, but it's flexible to a point around that depending on their bookings...

Performance data?

@Midnightpony

Was given 2/3 days apart and I pushed and got 10😅. I know I could have had the second at any time but somehow I knew it wouldn't happen (and was right).

I chose my date because I knew that the scan date was wrong. I stated that I didn't consent to a c section before their recorded 40+0 day. They tried to get me to change it, I refused. In any event, I gave birth via spontaneous labour at 38+3.

First baby
GD
Induction booked for 17th December and contacted them and had another consultant appointment 14th and changed to a section 22nd December. Had I not been swayed to the induction I never wanted, I'd of been booked the 17th December - due date was NYE. Was literally pick of a date depending on how many surgeons were on.

I think my hospital allow you to book from 20 weeks if you are a second section without wanting vbac.