Being pushed towards ELCS at 38+3 by my dates

[peachflamingo]

At my 12 week scan, my EDD was brought forward by four days from what my true dates were. The thing is that the date they’ve given me can in no way be correct - given my date of ovulation, the date we DTD, my very regular cycle, but also I had repeated HCG blood tests very early on after the positive result and even they aligned with ‘my’ dates.

At my 20 week scan, baby was on the 30th percentile overall, I wonder if had the baby been measured by my dates, they may have been on the 50th percentile?

I have been given date options for my c-section, either 39, 39+1 or 39+5 according to the NHS’s dates. They are heavily pushing me towards the earliest date. But, by my reckoning, that’s only 38+3 which concerns me given the evidence about ELCS babies born before 39 weeks and breathing/lung difficulties.

Has anyone had any joy in getting the NHS to review and amend due dates based on what the mother is saying?! Am I right to be worried about delivering at 38+3?

If you were brought 4 days forward then the latest date is 39+1 which is surely fine?
surely it depends why you’re having an ELCS as well. Can you afford to risk spontaneous labour? You can simply refuse the dates, they can’t make you lie on a table for surgery you don’t want

My EDD was also brought forward 4 days at the 12 weeks scan.
DD was measuring very small and ended up being an ELCS at 35+5 after some complications. Absolutely no concerns with breathing/lung problems. She came out shouting her head off and at 3 weeks old has had no problems.

Have you asked why they are pushing for the earlier date? Is there a medical concern or reason?

You could spend ages going back and forth with them about this, or you could pick the date that you think is best, or pick the date they suggest (which is presumably for a reason)

I’m not normally an automatic rule follower, and I have a certain dose of scepticism on all things NHS, but when it comes to getting babies safely delivered I would err on the side of taking the advice and going early.

Just go for the later date if it's bothering you but depends how much you are wanting to avoid going into labour naturally. And also most people I know with ELCS have had theirs delayed anyway due to emergencies taking priority.

As someone else has mentioned, my EDD was also brought forward by several days in both my pregnancies. I had an ELCS at 38+1 with DC2 and there were no breathing problems whatsoever and baby had an APGAR score of 9. Although there was extra support on standby in theatre, no one was openly concerned about breathing problems with a 38 week delivery and baby came out screaming. Obviously discuss your concerns and preference to wait with your midwife and/or consultant, but a C-section at 38 weeks doesn't inherently mean there will be breathing problems.

My first was via IVF so we knew to the minute and my date was still brought forward.

Babies who I know who have came, on their own before 39 weeks, one being 36 weeks have been absolutely fine and needed no help.

Speak with your midwife for some advise/reassurance but they will only go off the scan dates.