Elected c-section past 40 weeks?

[lpylou]

My due date is a day after DS birthday, because it's a big baby they brought forward the due date at the dating scan.

They did this with DS and he was '11 days late' aka a big baby so they brought his due date forward a week and then I was pressured to be induced.

I knew they would do the same and this time it's clashing with DS bday.

I ended up having an emcs so was leaning towards an elected c-section this time, going privately. I hoped they would allow me to go over 40 weeks, as I would be happy to go to 41+ weeks again, but at my 12 weeks scan on NHS the sonographer didn't think it would be possible due to safety. I don't get that, if I go for natural birth the baby can camp out 11 days late but elected c-section has to be dead on 40 weeks or a week earlier?

Electives are usually at 39 weeks, there or thereabouts. I’ve had a few!

I had an elective booked in for 41 weeks with my youngest, the reasoning was because I wanted to try for a natural birth after 2 EMCS, so we agreed to go 41 weeks to see if he would come naturally. So it is possible but I found that you do need to be clear about what you want when you see your consultant.

Ditto this ^ but just 1 previous unplanned section. I had my second via elective c-section at 41 weeks exactly in November just gone, as I didn't go into labour naturally and I didn't want to be induced again.

@MintTwirl so if I say I want to see if DC will come naturally then I can wait and request at 41 weeks?

@Darcy86 what reasons were you ok to wait until 41 weeks?

This gives me hope! Not the end of the world if their birthdays are 5 days apart but would be nice to have 12 days and I'm happy to wait.

Given the jealousy and fighting around birthday present opening between my 2 year old and 4 year old, I wish their birthdays were more coordinated so we could get the whole ordeal over with quicker. This year we said “thank god for that” when the last present was opened 😂

You think you're happy to wait now, but when you're 38 weeks and massive and uncomfy you may just be like "get out get out get out" 😂

I just asked them outright, what's the absolute latest you'll let me go, as I really wanted to give myself a chance to go into labour naturally and they supported my wishes on that. Unfortunately it seems none of my children are ever ready to come on their own so it wasn't to be! But yes that was the only reason.

I did this. Said I’d see if baby comes naturally but have a cs booked in for 41 weeks. But they had no concerns with me going over.

My cs was because I was trying for a vbac and didn’t fancy an induction if overdue.

I wouldn't evict my baby early if there wasn't any clinical indication for it! The "big baby" scaremongering is so tough too, I feel for you, I've had two at 41+ weeks, and all the growth scans and pressure are so hard to deal with. Just keep asking questions and advocating for yourself. Ask what clinical evidence there is to suggest that c section is safer/better earlier than 41 weeks. Ultimately, it's your body, your baby and your choice. If it was me, I would let baby stay happy in there as long as possible.