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Original poster

Advice on elective C section

15 replies

Fergs1972 · 29/10/2023 11:40

Hi all,

Looking for some advice if that’s okay? I have severe tokophobia and have done for years, I’m currently 31 weeks with my first baby and very excited although obviously very anxious.

My midwives have been supportive all the way through about me having a C section however I finally get to see the obstetrician on 17th November to discuss this further and hopefully put some plans in place.

I know they tend to encourage people to go 39+ weeks before they have their C section but this would land at Christmas for me and I’m really scared that they will suggest a section only a couple of days before I’m actually due leaving more potential for me to go into early labour which is something I will spend days and weeks fretting about.

38 weeks will be 18th December onwards, do you think I have any say in having my C section over the course of that week even if it is around 22nd December mark? I want to be able to get my point across and discuss my fears as well as being taken seriously. It’s taken years of therapy to be able to want to have a child and I am really happy about having a little one but can’t afford for my mental health to spiral

Do I have any say in the date I am given or is it tough?
Hope people can advise?
Thank you

OP posts:
Sorrento79 · 29/10/2023 18:24

I think you just need to go with dates offered, the hospital isn't really shut on the bank holidays etc so although there may be a couple of days when they are doing emergency only work it'll be better for the the baby to be as ready as possible rather than early for no medical reason?

Sorrento79 · 29/10/2023 18:26

ps maybe take some notes with you including a plan to discuss what will happen if you do go into labour spontaneously

ThePoint678 · 29/10/2023 18:28

I think it is better and safer for you and the baby for you to have a c section on the day medically recommended. The most important thing is you and baby are safe and healthy and your birth experience is as positive as possible.

AgaMM · 29/10/2023 18:37

It’s usually when you’re 39 weeks pregnant. Both of mine were and have been booked for exactly 39 weeks.

With my first, I went into labour a week before my c section date. I simply called them and told them I’m having a c section and they told me to come in and did it that day.

NewYorkCheesecakeASAP · 29/10/2023 18:53

Maternity units don't close, and tend to stay better staffed than other parts of the hospital, so I wouldn't worry about when Christmas is to affect the dates. I would speak to the consultant, sharing your worries also, and get the medically recommended date.

mumzy67 · 29/10/2023 18:58

I wouldn't worry - if you are planning a section you will have a section even if you go into labour early. With my first he turned up before I even got to book in my date but as soon as I said I was planning a section (plus should be in your notes) they just sorted that for me 😊

eatdrinkandbemerry · 29/10/2023 19:09

Both my sections they wouldn't let me pick a date before 39 weeks exactly.
And one of those fell on a weekend so I had her at 39 plus 2

whoateallthecookies · 29/10/2023 19:15

A baby born by elective c-section is significantly more likely to have breathing difficulties if delivered before 39 weeks - DD was born by elective c-section for medical reasons, and I was kept in hospital for 10 days before having her (as labour would have been extremely risky for her). I was admitted at 37+5, and had DD at 39+1. I realise having a baby over Christmas isn't great, but the timing is for your baby's health.

Autumn1990 · 29/10/2023 19:21

I was given a choice of dates for my second cs (first was an emergency cs ) but it was something like Thursday or Friday. I wouldn’t worry about going into labour before your cs date because they are geared up to just speed up the cs process (if you change your mind like I did it throws them. The midwife looking after me checked, then a senior midwife, then the ward manager and then a consultant, finally they asked DH if I was definitely sure I didn’t want the cs). If I had stuck with the cs I’d have been in theatre within an hour of arriving at hospital.

OdeToBarney · 29/10/2023 19:31

My DD was born at 38+3, but it was because she was small for gestational age. If not, it would have been 39 weeks plus. I think you need to go with their recommendation, and they may well refuse to perform a section prior to 39 weeks if it is not medically necessary.

FlyingHighFlyingLow · 29/10/2023 19:31

As said, its 39 weeks because that's what's safest for baby. Babies born between 38 and 39 weeks have a much higher rate of respiratory issues and are much more likely to need time in NICU. NICE guidance is 39 weeks unless must be earlier due to health concerns for mother or baby.

If you go into labour naturally you call the hospital and they still do a C-section.

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 29/10/2023 19:34

I had a section as DS2 was breech, I was given a date of 39+6 then revised to 40+2. I think they were out of elective spaces completely. But my hospital has 2 theatres, one for electives and the other for emergencies, so in theory, the electives shouldn't get bumped unless its a proper emergency and the emergency one is in use.

I did go into labour myself though, waters broke at home, phoned in and explained, I went in and DS2 was born maybe 3 hours after my waters broke, some of that was waiting on DH arriving as he had to stay at home till my parents arrived to look after DS1. The early labor was fine, I drove myself to hospital as I wasn't contracting till I got there.

There was no way ever I was going to make my elective date though, DS2 was born at 38+5 and he was 10lb 6!!

anicecuppateaa · 29/10/2023 19:40

I’ve had 2 elcs at 36+6 (twins) and 38w, both high risk, complex pregnancies. I think it’s highly unlikely you will be offered one before 39w but you could ask what usually happens when 39w falls over xmas….

Original poster
Fergs1972 · 29/10/2023 19:54

Thanks everyone for your responses…. I actually don’t mind having baby over Christmas at all and I obviously want her health to be good. it’s just the fear of going into Labour and it happening so fast that I don’t have a choice at all…. I know it’s probably hard to explain in regards to my anxieties but thanks for coming back to me anyway. Watch this space

OP posts:
Jade1234gg · 08/05/2024 19:49

You may be nervous but they will usually explain stuff beforehand and get you comfortable and then you be relaxed on the medication you are given usually it's really quick I found my first quick but second was a Bit tough as the needle wasn't going into my back but they had to put me asleep after so many tries but everyone is different you'll only be given a different date if anything is picked up in scan like placenta low or something like that

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