Previous stillbirth

[rozina1990]

Hey can anyone sort of advise me. So I have a previous stillbirth at 41 weeks and 4 days where the cord had got stuck around her neck. I’m currently expecting again the doctors have now told us we will have a c section at 39 weeks which is obviously a week away from full term. We was told at start of the pregnancy we will have the c section around 37 week due to my previous pregnancy but now at 29 weeks they have told us they will do the section at 39 weeks. I’m very anxious and stressed out now, Having flash backs which was unimaginable experience, is there anyway we can push to bring the baby around the 37 week?

Hi, first of all so sorry for your loss- the anxiety around this pregnancy and birth must be colossal.

Elective c sections are usually planned for 39 weeks as the evidence demonstrates better outcomes for babies with a lesser likelihood of needing to be admitted to NICU for respiratory support etc. This is probably why they are aiming for 39 weeks but it is worth speaking to your midwife as your first port of call about your concerns given your previous pregnancy. The 39 week guidance is for the general population so it is possible earlier would be better for your baby but your obstetrician would be the best person to advise on your individual circumstances. If they are reluctant to move it earlier, you could ask for a plan to be put in place for extra close monitoring of baby in those last couple of weeks before your ELCS to provide more reassurance and vigilance around baby's condition.

If you are experiencing flashbacks to your previous experience it is worth asking your midwife for a referral to the perinatal mental health team in your area- they can offer you more support and are great advocates for adjustments needed in a woman's care that break away from the 'routine' for want of a better phrase.

Hope the obstetric team can work with you to make a plan you are comfortable with.

I am so so sorry for your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are feeling. I would make an appointment with the consultant, if you can, and discuss your worries?

I was able to have my elective section at 38 weeks. I had a cerclage however so I think they were worried I would be delivering early and the cerclage would break? But always worth asking.

Wishing you all the best.

i had an elective section at 37 weeks. My situation was similar but different- I was pregnant with twins and one had died at 29 weeks. The other baby was healthy and not affected (they didn’t share a placenta or anything) I had a section at 37 weeks largely for my mental health- I couldn’t wait any longer even though the medical preference would have been to wait till 39 weeks. In my case they were very accommodating and if you communicate the anxiety I’d like to think they would support your wishes.

just so you are aware, we did have some light medical issues after birth as the poster explained above you are at a higher risk of this. She was in special care for about 36 hours and we had a 7 day stay at the hospital which was dire at the time but all okay in the end.

towards the end of pregnancy I spent a lot of time at the hospital getting heart beat monitoring and stuff like that. It really helped my anxiety so please do what is necessary to get through with your mind as healthy as possible. Having a baby is tough enough without factoring in your previous experience. Big hugs xx

Sorry for your previous loss, I can’t imagine how terrible that must have been. I would also talk to the consultant about possibly moving it earlier. I think 37 weeks is considered full term. My CS was initially scheduled for 39 weeks just due to being over 40 and then changed to 38w2d when I had GD as well. Baby decided to come a few days early at 38w and was fine although was quite sleepy for the first week.

I am so sorry for your loss. Do you have a consistent consultant you see or a link with a bereavement midwife? I had a stillbirth at 37+6 and next baby was planned section for 37 weeks although had to happen earlier due to complications with the pregnancy. Pregnancy after loss is unbelievably hard and to be told one date for this to be changed is very hard. I would list down everything you are feeling and ask for a conversation with your medical team, your feelings are completely valid and they need to be offering support to help you get through those last few weeks. Very best wishes.

Do you know why they initially told you 37 weeks? It is definitely common for them to say 39 weeks but that doesn't mean you can't question it and ask for it to be sooner at all.
Our little boy was stillborn at 39 weeks and when we went on to have our little girl, the consultant initially said induction at 39 weeks but I told her there was no way I could get to the same stage of pregnancy again. We had a discussion around risks etc and agreed on 38 weeks together. You are more than entitled to voice your concerns and push for something earlier based on your mental health.
I am pregnant again now and going through a different trust this time and they are phenomenal. We have already set a 38 week induction date and have been told that we can change that closer to the time if needs be.
Definitely talk to the professionals around you about your concerns, someone will be able to help you somewhere

I’m so sorry for your loss.
Our son was stillborn at 35 weeks and the plan for any future pregnancies is to be induced or have a section at 38 weeks. Definitely speak to the consultant or bereavement midwife about it all and you might be able to come to an agreement. I hope you manage to do so 🩷

Thank you all so much for your advise and concerns and most importantly your stories too I’m deeply touched and my heart goes out to you all. We have had midwife this week who we raised our concerns to and the consultants and they have agreed to bring the baby between 37 and 38 weeks. Although my pregnancy is going fine they have been understanding due to previous pregnancy. I’ve had my twins at 36+5 & my youngest at 38 weeks so they are saying it shouldn’t be a problem however I’ve found out this week I has GS and my baby is already weighing 4lb estimated at 30 weeks, so our elected c section will be booked in two weeks time, we also have scans every two weeks to keep an eye on baby 👶 thank you all so much xxx 🫶