Third baby and 3rd c section - I have the wobbles of going into labour

[EverydayIsPJday]

Just wondering on previous experiences please. Currently 24wks with #3. First baby was in labour for 3 days, failed forceps which ended in emcs at 42week all sorts of issues after and a week in hosp. #2 I met a consultant who said baby was looking quite big (he ended up 9lb) and that the shape of my pelvis wasn't very supportive of a natural delivery so I opted for elcs and it was booked there and then for 39 weeks. Now expecting #3 which so far mw has been pushing vbac. I really hadn't expected that after 2 c sections tbh but consultant last week said the same, that's it's possible. Birth #1 was so traumatic I really don't want a repeat so am 100% happy with decision for an elcs. However, the hospital won't even consider booking me in for a c section until I reach 37 weeks, and the date will be 39-41 weeks. My gut is absolutely convinced I will go into labour before I get to the section date and I'm scared I will end up being either told to continue for a vbac or that I will end up with a slow recovery after a emcs.

Has anyone any experience or wise words please?

It doesn't sound like there's a reason to believe you will have a very speedy labour and birth based on previous experience, so it would be unlikely to be an emergency section in the truest sense if you did go into labour as there would be nothing emergency about it.

My consultant said if I go into labour before section date I just ring triage and they will get me in for a section then.

Emergency sections are more brutal because of the run-up to them, not particularly the surgery itself. It's because they usually come after failed attempted vaginal birth, perhaps many hours of pain and exhaustion, stress, etc.