Cesarean at 38 weeks? Unnecessary?

[Mamofboys5972]

Hi everyone, to try and keep a long story short.
I'm due DS2 the 1st of April. My first son was 9lb 6oz at 39 weeks, natural delivery, no gestational diabetes.
Growth scans indicate this baby is already bigger than DS1, at the scan today, 37+2, he is apparently measuring 9lb 14oz. This time around I have gestational diabetes and I'm taking steroids for other health issues.
Doctor seems adamant I need to have a cesarean, I can get on board with that, but she wants to book it the day I turn 38 weeks, next Tuesday. All the guidelines and evidence suggest waiting until 39 weeks minimum? If I've already agreed to a section why the rush to get him out? I just dont understand how the risk of waiting a week is higher than the risk of bringing him early? When I tried speaking to her she just kept bringing up vaginal delivery risks.
Would you accept a 38 week section for large baby? Not sure what I'm asking for other than maybe advice/experience in the matter. Feel like im in shock over the whole thing.
Also, myself, all maternal family and DS1 have asthma, so don't want to increase risk of potential lung issues.

Why would you trust the opinion of strangers on the Internet over your doctor ? Why the drama ? 38 weeks is past term.

IIRC, there are higher chances of respiratory distress and longer term metabolic problems for LGA babies. There is also a higher chance of PPH. It may well be that there is a disadvantage to the baby staying in for another week or two - they should be able to explain their rationale.

I'm sorry about your daughter and you having to go through that. I also found the doctor dismissive when I mentioned lungs and possibly steroids, she just said "aw he'll be be fine he's so big".. I'm sorry but big size doesn't indicate healthy lungs at all. I'm going to ring the ward today and ask for some more advice/reassurance so I will definitely ask about steroids. Thank you!

38 weeks is no longer considered term. And it's not drama, it's mom's sharing experiences and lessons learned and advice. Which I highly appreciate and take into account.

steroids aren't routinely used at this gesation any more (but that decision should be made on an individual basis). Steroids will also screw up maternal diabetes control.

It is drama, as youve had the opinion of your doctor but claiming you're 'in shock' about baby coming at 38 weeks... Early term is from 37 weeks. Why do you think dr would be recommending birth at 38 weeks unless benefits outweigh the risks ?

You seem a bit defensive or angry regarding this?
Why wouldn't I be in shock? My previous big baby was born naturally without all of this, so it's a complete 180 experience for me and not what I was expecting at all.
And I know many women who've been advised sections due to numerous reasons and it's been unnecessary in the end. I'm just discussing my options with people who have been through similar. Thanks for your opinion though :) have a great day

I had an elective with my second dc and was 38+1. I think from 38 weeks is normal x

Grow up. Listen to your doctor. Have a wonderful day too! 😊 😊😊

Just an update, I rang the unit and asked to speak to the doctor who booked my cesarean to query why we weren't waiting till 39 weeks. She said she doesn't like to discuss specific numbers with patients in case it scares them, but my individual risk for stillbirth is over 35% after 38 weeks. So the decision for early section now makes total sense to me and will be going ahead on Tuesday :) thank you everyone for your advice and support. Super excited to meet little man now x

Both my sections were at 38 weeks (unplanned spontaneous labour) and baby’s lungs were fully developed no issues with being premature or anything.

i am booked in for a week 38 section and have no issues with it. It counts as term

Amazing news xx good luck for tomorrow- please let us know how you get on x

How did it go, OP? X

Absolutely amazing, got my 10lb 07oz, 22.6inch little baby boy 😍 the recovery is brutal I'm having so many issues with the wound! But he's here and healthy and my oldest is besotted 🩵🫶

Very many congratulations OP 👏🏻💐xx

Absolutely gorgeous, congratulations! I hope your wound heals soon x

I may have to have a CS with DC2 and as I had DD at 38 weeks, discussed this with consultant. He explained risks of CS are same at 37 weeks as at 42 ie baby is 'term', it's just that airway doesn't get cleared by passing through birth canal. However they are able to help with that if necessary.