Elective section at 38 weeks?

[Elisemum]

Hi everyone, my first baby was born by elective c-section on 38 +4 days. The section was scheduled for 39 weeks but baby decided to come early smile. He was absolutely fine and a big boy too. I’m now due a second baby soon and my consultant offered me a section at exactly 38 weeks +1 day. The reason being is that the chances are the second baby will come early again (apparently pregnancies like to repeat themselves). It’s a very respectable consultant at Rotunda and I do trust him. He of course said I could wait and go with the flow whenever the baby decides however we have a toddler and we have to make a lot of arrangements so it’s not as easy as the first time. Having a section at 38+1 would make things so much less stressful for everyone involved. Would you go for it? Or would you wait ? Anyone had a scheduled second section at 38 weeks? And was your baby breathing ok?

I had a scheduled section at 38 weeks, it was fine, baby came out screaming. Apparently at 38 weeks there is a 1 in 50 chance of breathing difficulties, and my consultant didn’t recommend steroids for that gestation, they used to advise steroids under 39 weeks but research is changing now on that. Congratulations and good luck!

I was booked in for 39 weeks even though I'd had a previous 38 weeker - just got told to call asap if I went into labour before then. Despite me being convinced he would be early he stayed put till section date.

I’d go for it

My first was born by section at 36+6. Second was booked in for 39 weeks (they said because the first was EMCS that my body would think it was doing it for the first time ), DS had other ideas and I went into labour 37+4 and opted for the section again, technically classed as emergency.

Both were fine and breathing perfectly. A little jaundice but quickly passed

I had a section at 36 weeks for my twins and both were fine at that gestation, didn’t need any extra help at all. I did have steroid injections beforehand though.

Thanks everyone!