Placenta previa c section booked for 39 weeks - too late?

[hopingforapeainapod]

Hi all, am currently 36+2 and at my 36 week scan 2 days ago was confirmed I have marginal placenta previa (placenta very close to but not covering cervix) and I had some bleeding last week which led to a 3 day hospital stay. Anyway consultant confirmed c section safest mode of delivery and said they would book this as close to 39 weeks as possible. I said I was not comfortable with this given risk of early labour, another bleed etc, plus RCOG guidance clearly states with PP c sections should be offered closer to 37 weeks.

Anyway lo and behold I have just got my c section appointment through and they have scheduled it for 39 weeks exactly. Am I wrong to think this seems absurdly late? Is there a medical reason for delaying this that I am missing, or is this likely to be because they are very busy? Just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation; I have spoken to a few women before with PP who all seem to have given birth closer to 37 weeks. I know I may need to push back with the consultant but I often get white coat syndrome so the more info I can arm myself with the better!

Did the consultant justify why they booked you at 39 weeks. The consultant may have a valid reason for doing this later than 37. Why not call them and ask for a justification. If you still don't agree ask for other options but I'm sure the consultant is also aware of the guidelines and has a reason.

@LittleMsSunny Not really tbh - in the appointment she just said ‘that’s what we like to do here’ and ‘they want to leave the baby as long as possible’, which I understand but it’s also about balancing risk. I’m just confused because she seemed to take my points on board in the meeting and said she would make a note that I wanted it closer to 38 weeks, but that obviously hasn’t made a difference. I will call and chase on Monday - I think I’m just being paranoid because my mum was early with all 3 of us and she has placenta previa with my brother and went into labour early before her planned c section and had a very very bad hemmorhage and was very unwell - something which I am obviously keen to avoid happening to me!

Mine was at 38+2

Hi op I’ve not experience this personally but I agree the RCOG guidance on this is very clear. If you feel able to I would have another conversation with the consultant to ask why they feel justified in deviating from this clear guidance in your case? And perhaps even ask for a second opinion from another consultant in the trust. I hope they either provide reassurance or a date closer to 37 weeks

For marginal previa and just one episode of bleeding that seems very reasonable. You still have time for the placenta to clear the cervix and opt for a spontaneous vaginal birth, even.

If there are more bleeds they will probably bring the date forward, but even in that case, benefit of trading a week or two bed rest and keeping the baby in til 38 or 39 weeks is worth it.

Will be so much easier to feed a 39 week baby compared with a sleepy 37/38 weeker

*plus all the other benefits for baby

Mine was 37+1 for this

You need to have an appointment with your OB, cite the guidelines, if they refuse say you consider their course of action unsafe and you want it recorded in your notes that the patient is concerned the course of action decided upon is unsafe. Make sure you write down the name of the person you speak to, the time and date and add it to your medical notes. Might kick them up the ass and if it doesn’t at least you have it all documented.

Mine was scheduled for 38 weeks but was in hospital just in case for 3 weeks before that. Lucky I was as showed signs of labour at 36+6 and had an emergency section. My DD is now a healthy teen. I'd be OK with the later date if you were in hospital with the option of an emergency section if needed. If you're at home I'd definitely push for an earlier date.

Thanks all for your input. I will call on Monday and see if I can get it pushed back to closer to 38 weeks, as I do think this is what is safest for me and baby.