Really need some advice/wisdom re bringing section forward

[ShinyCoconut]

I'm 38+2 and baby had a really quiet day yesterday. Barely any movement for half of the day. This morning was the same. I go for regular monitoring at the hospital anyway so this morning I told them about my concerns. Baby had started moving quite a lot by the time I got to the hospital so of course CTG was great and movements have been fine since. They've said they could bring my elective date forward if I want and if I am concerned, and I am going back in tomorrow for another CTG and a scan. They'll make a plan after the scan. Elective is booked for next week.

As I said, baby is moving fine now but I can't shake the feeling something is wrong. It's been a difficult pregnancy, I suffered recurrent miscarriage before this miracle, and the whole experience has been unbelievably stressful.

My question is, should I go ahead and ask them to bring forward my date? It seems like they're very much leaving it up to me. I know it's only by a few days but I feel guilty because I know how important each day is for development at this stage. I've stupidly read too much on Google about increases in risk pre 39 weeks and risks of c sections generally and I feel like I'm making awful choices for my baby.

I can't shake the feeling there's something not right even though he's moving fine at the moment. Can anyone offer any advice, or anecdotes, or even just words of wisdom? I would really appreciate it.

I would, you are past 38 weeks.

@drpet49 thank you - hearing you put that so simply is really reassuring. The midwives today were equally as direct, they didn't bat an eyelid about having baby sooner because of how far along I am. It's really helpful.

When I had a c-section, they booked them in for 38 weeks. I know advice changes over time, but it used to be standard back in my day. I’d bring it forward as you’re stressing - weigh up the pros of having another few days of development vs the cons of the affect of your stress on the baby

@chocolateisavegetable thanks so much, you're right. It did used to be routine, and I know how much stress can affect the baby. I'm even having really disturbing nightmares about the situation because I can't stop thinking about how it could all go wrong.

I would bring it forward. Baby is well cooked and will be a big weight off your shoulders!

Everything involves risk and you won’t get everything right as a parent - because no human being gets everything right. A good parent gives thought to their decisions, does a bit of research, then makes the decision that they feel is right. So you’re almost there to be a good parent!

I don’t think there’s much difference between 38 and 39 week, they booked my friend in for the end of the 38th week instead of 39. Lots of babies are born naturally at this point and there’s no concerns at all so I’d say if you can have it sooner and just end your worries quicker I’d go with that. I’m due to have one in 2 months and I’d take that offer even if nothing was wrong

I had a C at 38 weeks and it was fine (unplanned though)

If you feel somethings not right, I would. First dd born 36+6 via emergency section as I had covid pneumonia, second dd born 39 weeks planned section due to low laying placenta, no difference in babies other than weight. Both happy and healthy. Its good your hospital are being proactive and taking concerns on board. See what they say tomorrow but if you still have a feeling something isn't right then I would move it forward.

Mine was scheduled for 38+6 (because that was the day the consultant worked). It's only a few days more than you are and wasn't considered an issue at all. I suspect that DS would have been happy staying in there until 42 weeks given the choice but I felt much more comfortable with him out than in.

Weigh up the pros and cons. At this point baby is fully developed and a few days won’t make much difference, whereas the stress and nightmares are going to be affecting your mental health. Bringing it forward wont make any difference to your baby, but could have a significant positive impact on your mental health.

I cannot thank you all enough for your responses. You've all made me feel so much better and so this morning I've requested they bring my date forward. Could even be today! He's been moving fine since yesterday, but I can't stop worrying so I do think it's the best thing for both of us. Can't believe I might have my baby soon aaaaaah!!

So exciting! Good luck 😊@ShinyCoconut

I had DD by ELCS at 38+6 because 39 was a Saturday then there was a bank holiday so it was then or wait until 39+2. Some slight jaundice but otherwise well and healthy. The stress isn’t worth it for a few extra days in my totally non medical opinion.

Honestly, your baby will be fine being born now v 39 weeks. I’ve had sections at 36+6 and 38+1, and with the second one we were home the next day. Good luck!

I had a section booked at 39+1. At 38 weeks exactly baby had a quiet day and I decided to go to triage as it was the 4th time I’d been in for reduced movement.
I passed the test on the machine quickly but I still couldn’t feel movement so they decided to keep me on machine another 30 mins. In that 30 mins baby’s heart did dip but only very briefly and I still hadn’t felt movement. Midwife asked the doctor to come in who did a quick scan and could see movement but was very clear with me that they put emphasis on the mothers feelings and asked if I wanted to be induced that afternoon or have a section the following day at 38+1.
he’s now 4.5 and thriving! Best thing I ever did. You’ll be fine. Hopefully it’s today! Good luck!

I had a section 7 weeks ago today at 38 weeks exactly due to high blood pressure. Everything went really well, the whole experience was amazing. Baby boy was born healthy and he's currently feeding on me now so I would say go for it.

Just one little bit of advice - buy some tiny baby sized clothes as newborn was too big for him. Good luck with everything!

@ShinyCoconut good luck, all will be fine! Enjoy your baby 🥰

How exciting! Do come back and tell us when baby has arrived!

Thanks so much everyone. I'm on the list for tomorrow, but might be pushed to Friday depending on capacity!

Had a bit of a wobble earlier because apparently the guidelines have changed recently re administering steroid injections pre 39 weeks. I thought post 37 weeks they weren't needed, but apparently they're now routinely offered between 37-39. I've decided against because I'm just days away from 39 weeks, but it did make me doubt myself!

How did it go? Hope baby has arrived safely! 👶🏼

@GL123 you're so sweet to ask. He's here! I actually ended up in labour while I was waiting for my c section. Contracting 3 times every ten minutes, and he wasn't coping with that very well. Mother's intuition, fate, higher being, who knows? But we were in the right place, ended up being a cat b emcs!

He's perfect, his lungs seem fine. He was born a healthy 7lbs. He was just as ready to meet us as we were him 💙 I'm so grateful to everyone who posted on this thread, it honestly helped me make my mind up and stop stressing. Mumsnet can be great.

Awwww congratulations! Such wonderful news.
enjoy your gorgeous baby 💐

@ShinyCoconut aw wow congratulations! Can’t believe after all that you went into labour anyway, how bizarre! Definitely right place right time 😊 hopefully your recovery goes well and enjoy all the newborn snuggles 💙

Congratulations! Definitely the right place at the right time, he was ready.