Elective c-section at 38 weeks

[GreekGracie]

Hi everyone
I am currently 32 weeks pregnant with my third baby. I had both of my DDs naturally but unfortunately something catastrophic happened with our youngest during labour and she passed away at 26 hours old back last September.

This pregnancy has been pretty straight forward so far but as the hospital lost my placenta they have no idea what happened with our youngest. Therefore I have opted for a c-section at 38 weeks in hope I won’t go in to natural labour.

I would really appreciate any insight into people’s experiences with elective c section at 38 weeks. How was the baby after? Did they end up in NICU from being taken out too early? Likewise anyone that’s had a c section at 37 weeks as this is also an option due to anxiety levels but I’m hoping it won’t come to that.

I have spoken to both my midwife and consultant about this but as I said would just like to hear any real life experiences. Thank you 🙏

I had DS at 37 weeks by ELCS due to complications following DD emergency CS delivery. He came out weighing 6lbs 5oz bawling with gusto, did a huge wee in the air as they lifted him out and I held him while they stitched me up. We were out the following day.

I’m so incredibly sorry about your youngest and wish you every bit of luck with this delivery and having a healthy baby.

Oh gosh I’m so sorry to hear that 😔 Hope you’re doing okay with the pregnancy.

38 weeks is absolutely fine, don’t think many babies would need any extra help at this point. My cousin had both babies just before 37 weeks and neither needed any extra help. I think they do suggest having steroids if it’s before this but if you were waiting until 37 weeks I don’t think they’d need them. I’d probably go for 37 or just after as it sounds like they’re safer out by that point anyway. Good luck

So sorry about your loss, I had one of mine by C-section at 38 weeks he was 8lb and needed no extra help everything went very smoothly, I hope the same for you

My DD was born at 36 weeks and didn't need NICU. She was just a bit skinny.

38 weeks is fully cooked so I wouldn't worry about being and early baby.

Very sorry to hear of what you’ve been through OP 💐

I’ve only had an emergency one but my close friend had an elective at 37 weeks this year and there were no problems, both allowed home the next day x

Oh op I am so sorry about your baby.

My dd was born at 38+3, she was supposed to come exactly a week later when the elective was booked for but I went into spontaneous labour with her so they just did the section then instead.
She was absolutely fine, no extra help needed, I think you're classed as full term from 38 weeks anyway

Hey op, I haven't had a c section but my son was impatient and decided to break my waters at 37+5 and he was born at 38 weeks. He didn't need any support in the hospital he stayed with me until we went home. He was 7lb healthy boy. He's now 5 and wears 7-8 year old clothes so no issues with his health or sizing since. (Slim but tall) x

Hi @GreekGracie im so sorry.

main concern doctors will have when baby is born beteeen 38-39 is over lungs. Baby might need to go on oxygen immediately after birth (in theatre) and possibly a trip to SCBU if needed. I recently had my 2nd by elective and this played on my mind a lot as my first was in was in NICU for first few days which effected me massively.

my 2nd was was born at 38+5 and didn’t need any assistance but know that isn’t helpful!

Thank you everyone for responding and your kind words. I feel so much better hearing your experiences.

I am so sorry for the loss of your little girl 💐

My son was born by elective C section at 38 weeks, bang on 3.5kg and in very good health. It was a very calm, positive experience after a traumatic first birth. He’s now 2 and an absolute unit. Very best of luck with the birth x

I am so sorry for the loss of your baby.

I had an elective c section at 37.5 weeks, as my first baby had died in childbirth due to a cord accident.

I had the procedure under general anaesthetic, so DH was the first to hold DS, and have skin to skin with him, while I recovered. DS was absolutely fine. His lungs were fine, breastfeeding went well, and we were home within 24 hours. He’s always been strong and healthy, no asthma or allergies or eczema or any of the other things they to to scare you off having a c section with.

All the best wishes to you & your family. It’s such an anxious time, when you’ve had a loss like yours.

I didn’t have a c-section but I had gestational diabetes and many women in the FB group had elective c-sections before 40 weeks due to gestational diabetes. The main thing was that they would have two doses of steroids in the day or so before the section to develop babies lungs if before 39 weeks. Babies are full term at 37 weeks though so nothing to worry about from that side. The steroids is because for a small amount of babies their lungs haven’t developed enough for a c-section birth before 39 weeks.

Sorry for the loss of your youngest.

So sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter.

My first was emergency C section at 38 weeks which was very traumatic but 8lb 1oz boy was absolutely fine.
Second elective due to small pelvis was a wonderful experience. Well looked after by lovely consultant and her team throughout. Relaxing calm procedure and a chilled 8lb baby with no problems.

Try to relax and look forward to welcoming your new little one 💐

Hi OP
I'm so sorry for the loss of your daughter, I can't imagine how truly awful that must have been.
I had an elective c section at 37 weeks due to placenta praevia. Baby was born with jaundice (which responded quickly to treatment) but otherwise perfectly healthy.

Wishing you all the best for your imminent arrival xxx