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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Ladies who have had a C-Section...

34 replies

lostandconfused2 · 29/11/2019 20:32

I'm 19+3 and I've been told I'll be having a C-Section.

I was just wondering when I can expect my date to be booked in & how far along I'll be (ofc you won't know that but would like to know roughly and haven't asked).

So, how soon did you get booked in for your scheduled C-Section and how far along were you when you had it?

OP posts:
Littlebelina · 29/11/2019 20:34

I was booked in at my 32 week appointment for my most recent. It was booked for dead on 39 weeks. Unless there is a pressing medical reason NICE guidelines state no earlier than 39 weeks now.

AiryFairy1991 · 29/11/2019 20:35

I’m currently 27+5 and don’t have my date yet. I think the midwife said I’d get my date during my 34 weeks appointment and it would be 39 weeks.

ApplestheHare · 29/11/2019 20:36

I believe it varies depending on a number of factors but I was given my date at 35 weeks and had the section at 39 weeks. They did try and change the date twice due to emergencies, once 4 days before the section and once on the day.

Feelingpoorlysick · 29/11/2019 20:38

I was 34 weeks when they said I needed to be induced at 38 weeks.

Fouroutoffour · 29/11/2019 20:39

Out of curiosity: why are they "telling you" you will be having a section so early on in your pregnancy? I can't think of any reasons for a section that would be so apparent so early on? Might be wrong of course! Have nothing useful to add, as I was planning on a natural delivery, until DS decided to turn breech at 37 weeks, which is when it was booked.

Phillipa12 · 29/11/2019 20:40

Date will be in your 39th week unless medically required sooner. (I had 1 section at 38+2 but that was due to previous severe mental trauma and large baby, was 11lb 6ozs!) As for finding out the date every hospital is different, with dc2 and 3 i found out at 38 weeks, with dc4 i had 4 days notice.

Original poster
lostandconfused2 · 29/11/2019 20:41

I'm high risk due to having my colon removed and three major open abdominal surgeries. @Fouroutoffour

OP posts:
strawberry2017 · 29/11/2019 20:45

Did any of you have a battle to have one, I had an emergency one with DD and now due DS in May, I want another section but my friend said they might refuse.

Fouroutoffour · 29/11/2019 20:49

@lostandconfused2 I feel bad for asking nowBlush just goes to show never to make assumptions. Hope it all goes well for you!

Fivebyfive2 · 29/11/2019 21:10

Hi, I'm following with interest! My little man has been transverse lie since the 20 week scan, I'm now 34 weeks and he's still side ways! I have another scan at 36 and a bit weeks, if he's still side ways they've said I'll probably need a c section. I guess I'll find out at the time, but I wondered if they'd do it sooner (apparently they don't like you going into labour if they're sideways as they can't get out?!) but reading replies on here, would they still wait until 39 weeks but just monitor me?? Sorry if this is hijacking, but you ladies seem quite clued up! Xx

Littlebelina · 29/11/2019 21:16

I didn't strawberry but there were particular circumstances (which I won't go into here) around my second pregnancy that made a section advantageous ( my first birth was an emergency section). After 2 sections, the default position for baby 3 was a section.

However although they might try and persuade you to have a vbac, after a previous section you have a strong case if you want one next time. It might be a case of seeing another consultant if you get an awkward one first time but you should be able to get one.

Wineislifex · 29/11/2019 21:16

I had mine at 39+3 elective at my request, I got my date at about 35 weeks. I was told what time to attend the ward, went straight in to a private room, saw the surgeon then the anaethatist then the midwife and went down second on the list. The spinal was awful and I was sick as a dog during and after but other than that I was fine and home the next morning! I would 100% have another if I was to have another baby I loved the organisation!

Littlebelina · 29/11/2019 21:20

I was transverse with no 3 five ( quite common with previous sections) until quite late when she switched to head down. They never suggested going earlier, just said to make sure I went straight in if there was any sign of labour. Was a bit nervous as previous two were 39 and 38 weeks but all was fine.

Kanga83 · 29/11/2019 21:21

I had an emergency with my first so booked an elective with my second. It wasn't agreed (formally) until around 33 weeks and was booked for 39weeks 0 days. Electives where I am are not done before 39 weeks.

GrumpyHoonMain · 29/11/2019 21:21

Did the consultant make the decision after referring to a gastroenterologist / chrons specialist (assuming it’s related)? Do you have your maternity notes updated by both saying a c-section is the only recommended option? If not get that in now because the NHS guidelines suggest that the risk of a c-section to what is left of your bowel is higher than vaginal delivery and as such you may find your procedure comes under the lowest category of elective c-sections (and thus liable to be cancelled)

newnameallround · 29/11/2019 21:23

@Fivebyfive2 be warned!! My second was a transverse and unstable lie. I was admitted into hospital as they wouldn't let me home because the risk of a cord prolapse is too high. If this happens they have minutes to deliver baby and if you are at home this obviously won't happen! They kept me in from 37 weeks and then did a section at 39 weeks.

The reason I say be warned is because I went in for a scan and was told there and then I couldn't go home. I had nothing with me apart from my notes and my car keys (not even my hospital bag!).

Lololololola · 29/11/2019 21:24

Mine (years ago mind!) was booked in for 38 weeks to minimise risk of spontaneous labour, which I would not have been able to manage.

SweetSally · 29/11/2019 21:28

Booked in at 36w
Had it on the exact date 39w no issues .

My first though was an emergency C section all very scary.

I've had 2 C sections in total. I'd say that both went well recovery wise. The second one was so much better than the first one for some reason I healed really quickly!

It's scary but you should be ok. Make sure you take paracetamol and ibuprofen after you get discharged to control the pain. Also, I felt in less pain if I slept half way sitting rather than flat (used lots of pillows behind my back). The worst thing about the surgery in my experience is: the anticipation. Also. Try to move around as soon as possible it helps the healing process

jackstini · 29/11/2019 21:35

I had an EMCS at 41+4 for first pg, then an elective due to previous failure to contract plus large baby (& 2 x mc between) for second birth
This was done at 39 +5
Very calm and more controlled (although more sick! 😆)

skankingpiglet · 29/11/2019 21:38

Fouroutoffour There are many reasons why it is known a cs will be needed even before the baby is conceived. Personally I suffered a ruptured uterus during DC2's birth, so if I were to have more children (I won't be!), then I would have an elcs at 37 weeks. The earlier date is due to DC2 popping out (literally 🤢) a little earlier than expected. A good friend has also required elcs for both her children as a result of previous surgeries.

OP my DC1 was breech, and I was given my cs date around 35 wks once they were sure she was unlikely to turn. My friend, who knew from the start she'd need a cs, was given the date much earlier.

skankingpiglet · 29/11/2019 21:39

Sorry, I forgot to add: Breech DC1 was delivered at 39+5 🙂

GaaaaarlicBread · 29/11/2019 21:42

Hey I commented on a similar post earlier on so thought maybe this will help. My DH (darling husband) performs C sections! I’ve just asked him and He just said if it’s elective planned then it can be anywhere from a few days , to a week after your due date . It really depends on the baby’s and your health closer to the time apparently, so if you have been classed as higher risk then things might change a little . Good luck for it though, you will be fine xx

Nextphonewontbesamsung · 29/11/2019 21:46

I was given a date for my elective c-section not long after my 20 week scan. It was booked for 39+2 and that's when it was done.

neverornow · 29/11/2019 21:46

I think it depends on your consultant. They all seem to have a different approach. Given that C section is your only option, I'd expect that they'll book you in and give you your date well in advance. I was given my date for my c section at a 32 week appointment (scheduled section at 39+0) whereas a friend got hers at 12 week appointment so it really varies.

Don't be afraid to push for a date or push to have it booked in.

Fivebyfive2 · 29/11/2019 21:49

@newnameallround, eek! That means I could be in over Christmas just waiting ☹️ I'm trying not to over think really, as I know there's a chance he'll move at any time... I just feel like if he's been sideways all this time, how likely is he to suddenly get in position now he's getting bigger /has less space?! But I'm probably thinking about it all wrong anyway 😂