Elective c-section at 40 weeks

[CurlyNo2]

Hello

Im currently 38+4 with baby no2. I had a very traumatic birth with my son who is now 6. I ended up in theatre with a spinal block and rotational forceps which resulted in shoulder dystocia and a birth injury (thankfully resolved now) amongst other serious complications. My son was 8.2lb.

With baby no2, they have been measuring huge throughout my pregnancy at growth scans and because it’s predicted to be a much larger baby than no1, the consultant has agreed to an elective c-section. I also had PTSD following his birth and a lot of anxiety in this pregnancy which I have been under the perinatal mental health team.

The consultant ideally wanted me to have the elective c-section at 39 weeks (this Thursday) but they can’t fit me in, so have scheduled it for next Thursday when I will be 40 weeks exactly.

My anxiety has gone into overdrive. If I go into labour before then, will I be treated as an emergency section? Will my calm and planned birth experience I wanted this time around, go out of the window? Is 40 weeks too late for a planned section?

I think this post is just for a hand hold really and for those who also had planned sections at 40 weeks, to say it will be ok.

Thanks for reading.

I could have written your post almost exactly. I had a very, very similar birth with DS and the subsequent after effects, just awful.

Despite this, the hospital didn't really want to give me an ELCS, but reluctantly agreed to let me have one on my due date (I think in the hope that I would go into labour earlier and deliver 'naturally') Lovely DD held on to my due date, I had an ELCS which was an absolute dream compared to DS birth.

It's all going to be fine OP.

It's going to be ok.

If you go into labour before your section date go to the hospital at the first twinge and you'll be taken to theatre. While it will be classed as emergency if you're in early stages of labour it won't be the rush crash to theatre.

As you'll elective it might be they can bump you up the list over the next week or so.

Thanks very much for replying.

I’m feeling pretty hormonal and extremely tired due to lack of sleep because of PGP in my hips and pelvis. I’m sure I’ll feel better about it all tomorrow.

Good morning!

I think I I've been looking for a similar post like this...

I've always had back to back labours so had assisted delivery every time with long labours which so I have opted for an elective c section, I have had to fight my corner with my consultant to get one but they have said if I go into labour naturally before my date which is 39+3 they 'will see how I go' which is frustrating as last time I was nearly put under General Anesthetic for EMC.

I was just wondering how are you ladies coping with the anxiety and panic with the upcoming dates