Elective C section at 39 weeks? Is this when they usually do them?

[Sarahjsxx]

I'm going to have my second c section, I'm 18 weeks now. Is it correct they do it at 39 weeks? My first c section was at 38 weeks (but I also had a ovarian mass removed at the same time, not sure if that's why it was at 38 weeks?) I'm just wondering if there is a specific time period?

If it's a C-section that's needed (rather than just a preference on your part) then they won't want you to go into labour before your op date. So yes, they'll often book the surgery a tad earlier than your due date.

Yes, it's 39 weeks at my trust and I believe that's the guidance.

Yes week 39 is the norm. For both my pregnancies, I was booked for exactly 39 weeks. With my first, my waters broke at 38 weeks so had a c section that day. With my second, I was in early labour for several days but they were able to wait until my planned c section date.

So whilst they will book you in, they will respond to any change in circumstances as needed.

Yes… that’s the norm for elective single baby, and it’s 37 for twins where I’m from.

Risk of breathing issues in newborns is higher before 39 weeks so unless there's a clinical risk they will wait until 39 weeks. I has to stay in hospital 10 days waiting for my C-section as they wouldn't do it before 39 weeks

Yes usually if no complications.

Mine is at 38 weeks due to diabetes and insulin. If I wasn't on insulin it would have been at 39.

Yes, 39 weeks is the norm now. It was 38 weeks when my eldest was born but research demonstrated a significant decrease in the risk of respiratory distress in babies if planned sections were delayed til 39 weeks so guidance was changed.
Obviously there are sometimes other factors that mean that it is best for the Mum, baby or both to go ahead sooner, but if everything else is straightforward then 39 weeks is usually chosen.

Google the NICE guidelines - it used to be 39+4 but they may have revised them.

Yep 39, they only did them twice a week at my hospital so it would've been the Tuesday or Thursday. Turned out to be Thursday - 39+3

Yep

Hi op, yes babies lungs are usually at full development at 39 weeks so most c sections are done after the 39 week mark to give their lungs the best chance of full development. This is because babies born vaginally get a good squeeze on the way out which helps them get rid of all the mucus etc that can be in their airways. Babies born by csection are more likely to have difficulty with breathing and might need a little extra help to clear those airways and get the breathing going. So unless there's another risk that is more pressing, it's usually booked for 39 weeks onwards.

Also just to say ds came out screaming from his c section and was just fine! But it's something to be aware of and be prepared for that bub might need a little extra attention to welcome them to the world!

DD was a planned section at 39+3. This was the earliest they would offer me. They just say if you go into labour earlier then go straight in and they'll try to get you in for the section before labour gets too advanced.

Yes I have to have them medical reasons.. my last was booked for 39+4 and this one is booked for 39+3

Yes I’m booked for 39+1 as they don’t do them on weekends (I’m 39 weeks on a Sunday)

Yes, mine was planned for 39 weeks

Ended up being brought forward though as I got pre eclampsia

I never made it to 39 weeks as I went into labour a week earlier 😅 I think they just do try to stick to 39 weeks as I even had extra fluid around the baby and he was measuring on 97th percentile and they still wanted to wait til 39 weeks

39 weeks is standard if there are no concerns that means they would want to bring it forward. I was recommended a c-section for baby’s size and had DC2 at 39+4. Just to add DC2 was very big haha! So I’m eternally grateful he came out the sun roof.

The surgeons basically told me they were fitting me in when they had availability between 39-40 weeks but wouldn’t want me going over 40 weeks.

@Sarahjsxx how long were you in labour before they took you down for your section? This is what I'm getting twitchy about happening

I know labour started 5pm the day before my c section (emergency), it started one week early at 38 weeks. I called hospital as I was having cramps, went to in at 11pm, she monitored the contractions and at 1am said she thought it wasn't labour and I didn't need examining, gave me cocodamol. Went home, back to hospital 8am, confirmed I was 4cm dilated, so it was a slow labour? I had eaten so had to wait until 2pm for my c section, so I was in labour for 21 hours before I guess which was one of the main reasons I was having a section due to traumatic long labour & birth before & worrying about labour

Bloody awful! @Sarahjsxx I've had 2 emc and booked for elective in October although I don't really want one I think it's the safest option