When do you find your elective c-section date?

[jessjb]

Hi,

I'm in early stages of pregnancy and had an emergency c-section in my previous pregnancy. I want to opt for an elective c-section this time round but just curious to know if anyone knows at what stage you're given the date for your csection? From what I've read it's around 39 weeks but want to know more specifically when you're given that exact date from others past experience?

They discuss it with you somewhere around 36-37 weeks. In my trust they won't perform it earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a compelling reason, but it does differ between trusts.

I got mine at my 12 week scan

I’m 32 weeks with my fourth baby and this will be my fourth c section.

First was emergency, but 2 and 3 were electives.

I have an appointment at 34 weeks with my consultant where we will book a date.

My 2nd and 3rd section were done at 38+2 but 39 is the norm now, although I have gestational diabetes now and I’m insulin so it’s quite likely mine may be done as early as 37 weeks as my diabetic consultant would rather this.

But otherwise, I’ve always had it booked in at my 34 week consultant appointment.

Mine was booked when I had my consultant appointment at 28 weeks. It's booked for 4 weeks and 6 days time

Here you have a consultant appt at around 36 weeks and it's booked then, for the week between 39 and 40 weeks (all being straightforward).

Here they phone the ward while you're in the room and go through the possible dates to see what's in the diary already, staff availability etc and you choose a date together.

It must vary from place to place.

I only found out about a week in advance. Confirmed I was having a c-section at about 34 weeks and then had a phone call from the receptionist a few weeks later to give me the actual date.

Usually around 36 weeks, whenever your consultant app falls in the week either side.

I got my date at 35+6wk (a Monday), booked for bang on 39wk.

At 37 weeks when I had a growth scan. It was performed two days later.

I had my 1st booked 9 days before surgery, due to discovery of twin 1 turning breech. They were delivered bang on 38wk, I had 2 lots of steroids prior to surgery too. Don't need steroids 39wk+.

I had a initial conversation with consultant at 15 weeks - they said my date will be the 20th of december, dont think its a definite, its just its a monday and exactly 7 days before my due date and also skips being in on over christmas

Even if you have a date you may well get bumped later anyway depending on emergencies etc. I was bumped twice. The second time after waiting for hours on the ward.

@Willwebebuyingnumber11

I got mine at my 12 week scan

How and why?

I got mine shortly after my 24wk midwife checkup. A lady rang from the maternity unit and gave me a date for 39 weeks exactly. I didn’t realise it varies so much between trusts.

I had mine discussed and agreed at 12 weeks and booked in at 20 weeks. That's how they do it at St Mary's Manchester.

I am will be having another c section in January and going through the same process again currently.

I had my ELCS at 39+2, so no, found out before 39 weeks. Probably around 37 weeks. I asked for a c section at booking appointment, there’s just no point scheduling it too soon.

@NursePotato for medical reasons I had to have it at 38 weeks and was told the diary gets very busy. I met my consultant at my 12 week scan appointment and he booked it in then.

About a week before, it can change on the day anyway if emergencies come in. Good luck

Blows my mind that people are getting the date at 12 weeks. I got mine at 34 and delivered at 36 🤪 I'm jealous!

Thanks everyone! Really helpful to know, eventhough it makes no difference I like to know where I'm at to prepare myself for everything hehe

I got my date at my 34 week consultant appointment, but they’d agreed it at 26 weeks. Original date was for 39+2, but I had obstetric cholestasis so it was brought forward to 37+5.

Mine is at 39+4. I think usually my hospital don’t give the exact date until 36 weeks, although you have an appointment to talk about it before this. I was really anxious about the whole thing and kept on at the midwives about needing to speak to a consultant from early on. I got to speak to them at 29 weeks then got my date at 33 weeks