Born at 38 weeks - is this safe?

[emmalinewre]

Hi!
Medical reasons mean I may have to have a c-section this week (38 weeks and two days)

I'm worried delivering early may harm the baby in the long run.
Does anyone have any experience of this kind of term and whether baby is ok short and long term/needs NICU/meets milestones later on etc.

Thanks!

4 born c-section at 38 weeks.

Dr said totally fine, waiting longer risk mum going into Labour and needing the c-section during labor which not ideal.

All 4, totally fine and at or above average weight.

I’m very pleased to hear that. Our DS was born at 31 weeks at 3lb, he’s 4 now

Absolutely no issue. It's not even considered preterm never mind premature. Full term is from 37 weeks. Two of mine were born at 35+6 and 38 themselves. The earliest needed some light therapy for jaundice for awhile but was never away from me and never needed any other help.

Same as our DS. One down side for me personally is he was just 4 when he started school in September. Had he been born even a week later, he’d be going to school next September.

A c section prior to 39 weeks without having laboured statistically carries an increased risk of TTN (transient tachypnoea of the newborn) requiring NICU admission.

Obviously no one wants their baby to have TTN, but overall it's easily treated and babies recover quickly. It does not carry risks for any problems later in life or development. Not every baby will get it either.

After 39 weeks this risk is way less likely, that's why most elective c sections are done at 39+ weeks.

You have to look at your individual circumstances. If the reason for an earlier delivery is in your best interests as the mother, then it would likely outweigh the small risk to baby. Would recommend discussing further with your team to clarify. Best of luck for a smooth birth💐

After 37 weeks it's classed as full term. My son was born at 32 weeks, had low birth weight and spent 3 months in hospital. He is 13 now and as bright as a button and much taller than his other counter parts.

I think many are missing the point of it being a c section. There's more likely to be breathing issues prior to 39 weeks via c section as the baby won't go through the birth canal and the mucus extra isn't squeezed out. Risks are quite low at 38 weeks I think though. As I said previously my ds was an elective section at 38 weeks and was fine.

I was born by c-section at 37 weeks and I'm absolutely fine! I had jaundice when I was born, but I was a pretty robust 6lbs.

My DD was born by ELCS at 39 +3 and she was a mere 6lbs 1oz despite being full term.

38 weeks is a perfectly normal time. 37 weeks is considered term. It’s no different from 39 or 40 or 41 weeks

My now 6 year old was born at 37 weeks 3 days via c section. She's absolutely fine. They gave me steroids injection when pregnant still to help with baby's lungs development- no breathing issues at all. Good luck 🤞

My son was born at 38weeks2 days. Would have been bang on 38 weeks if the induction had worked, but as he had wedged his head weirdly he was pretty well jammed in and I had a section. He was 8lb12 and chunky and by 6 weeks was the most delightfully chubby baby ever, more so than my daughter who was term and 9lb6. He cried immediately, latched on as soon as he was placed on my chest and then shat all over me. Just as well he was so cute! He is a lovely happy curious funny 6 year old now.

Emergency C-section at 37 weeks. No breathing difficulties, etc.

Induced at 38 weeks. No issues whatsoever. Healthy one year old is chomping at my boob as I type. Best wishes for a smooth birth x

Thanks everyone :-)

My friend just had twins at 36 weeks planned and they didn’t even need nicu and stayed with her. Doing really well.

Mine was born at 35 weeks and he did need some time in scbu but mostly to get him into waking up for milk. He’s now 20 months old, I would say the first year he was behind a bit but from 15 months onwards he’s progressed rapidly and you wouldn’t tell at all.

38 weeks is counted as full term. My friend naturally had hers at 38+4 and is reaching all milestones, took to breastfeeding from birth etc.

37 weeks + is considered full term.
Both my dc were born spontaneously by 38 weeks. Ds (36+5) had a bit a jaundice, but easily resolved. Even then, he wasn't really considered "early". He was a good weight and we were just on the main maternity ward.

They were fine. Now teens with no significant health issues.

Good luck with your C section. What a lovely Christmas present baby!

My elective c section many years ago was at 38 weeks and was completely fine the baby weighed nearly 9 pounds and didn't suffer any problems
It's standard try not to stress about it

We deferred a year. DS was absolutely fine intellectually but even a year on when he started he was wearing age 2 clothes aged 5. He caught up eventually and is now a 6ft teen. I highly recommend deferring

My 36 weeker is currently running around getting ready for Santa. You will be ok. I think maybe have a chat with a midwife if you are concerned xx

My DS was born at 37 weeks (spontaneous vaginal delivery, not CS though). Absolutely fine and no issues. He weighed 7.4 lbs at birth.

38 weeks is considered full term

DS was born at 36 weeks. He had to have light treatment for jaundice, common in 36 week boys, but less of a problem after 37 wks. Your midwife will visit post natal and will check for any problems and if you are worried about anything you should be able to contact the midwives for advice.
DS is now 20 and 6’3” so being prem has had no adverse affects. Other than the odd cold and usual childhood illnesses he has been extremely healthy. In fact he has had very little time off school. Although he has been unwell during his first term at uni but I suspect that is the result of lifestyle rather than poor health.

DS was 7lb 1 oz at 36 weeks. Goodness knows what weight he would have been full term.

Too late he’s already there but isn’t the smallest

Where did you read that?

My son was born by emergency c section at 38 weeks. If literally saved his life. He's upstairs, 23 and working a very important job. He's fine!