Tricky decision re CS and due date

[PixieCake]

Hi all,

Can anyone advise me on a tricky decision please.

The consultant who I want to do my CS is away the week I would be due to have the operation (week 39).

My options are to book in with someone else (not keen on the idea) or wait until my consultant is back (week 40). This would be the week I am actually due, so the risk is that I might go into labour before that and end up having the CS done by the duty team, as an 'emergency' (also not keen).

He won't do it in week 38 - says it's too early.

What would you do?

I understand that most first babies are late, so do I chance it and wait until he is available in week 40? Or play safe and go with someone else in week 39.

Are many people early with their first baby?

Thanks x

I had a similar situation happen to me. Had a lovely consultant who'd booked me for CS with him at 39 weeks. However, I actually went into labour at 38 weeks and ended up having the duty team conduct my CS. To be honest, it was all absolutely fine (have honestly had worse experiences at the dentist!).

It all happens so quickly - I was surprised at how little time a CS takes. And, due to the nature of the operation you'll probably find that you have more interaction with the anaethetist than the surgeon.

Good luck.

Is a CS always done by a consultant or could you get some junior-type person doing it in an emergency?

I had my ELCS at 38 weeks ( but it was 16yrs ago and things may have changed in advice etc). Babies are pretty much fully cooked by then..Mind you mine was breech position and they really didn't want me to go into labour so booked me in early...then of course I went into labour. I think hospitals are ready for this and being an emergency wasn't so bad. Don't mean to sound patronizing but I would't get worked up about it. Babies come when they come despite your best plans!

Sorry, turning into old mother hubbard here..

I think my CS was done by a Consultant - not sure if this is always the case. Personally, I'd risk it - either way, the CS will be quick and you'll be so excited to meet your little one you probably won't care who does the CS in the end. I was very very nervous before hand but on the day a strange calm overtook me! My husband was far more nervous than I. Good luck!