Elective c-section at 38 weeks

[Ebonythoughts]

Hi all,

I’m due a c-section next week at 39 weeks but PGP has been horrendous and with a toddler to chase after I feel like crying most days.

I know it’s just a week but has anyone requested an early appointment for their planned section and was it approved? I don’t want to do anything that would put a risk to the baby of course, but since he’s technically full term now I’m wondering if that week early would make much difference.

I sympathise. I had horrendous PGP and was in a wheelchair by that stage. It was my first though so I didn't have the toddler to chase after.

It can't hurt to ask but to be honest I'd be surprised if they agree. They'll be all booked up for this week and I don't think they'd class this as an emergency to squeeze you into the schedule.

Is there anyone who could help you with your toddler to take the pressure off a bit?

A hospital will not approve a C Section at 38 weeks unless there was a medical need for baby to be out by then. 37 weeks may be “full term” but babies do need those extra 3 weeks, especially their lungs, to develop and be ready for the outside world. For that reason they would only elect to get baby out before 39 weeks if there was a medical need.

Unfortunately it's highly likely that all the slots will be booked up. You could try on the off chance someone has had to have their delivery brought forward or gone into spontaneous labour so their slot is free but there won't be any slots now until Monday as they don't do electives at weekends.

Hope the next week passes quickly, PGP is brutal! Maybe you could ask for some help with your toddler? I know not everyone has a support network but if you do, don't be afraid to ask.

Baby needs that extra week for their lungs. The longer they're in there, the better!

You have my sympathy as I could not walk by 38 weeks because of PGP either....8 months post partum and I still can't walk for more than half an hour without pain.

I have my section booked for 38+1. This was agreed with consultant because I had a very quick labour with DD1 at 38w so wanted to minimise risk of going into labour before planned section. Always worth a chat with your consultant.

This!!

so medically I was approved for a week 38 elective. Then they looked at the calendar and said uhhhh sorry all booked up. So that went out the window

I had my son via elective c section last October, I was in agony towards the end and requested a C-section at 38 weeks but they declined it and said the earliest was 39 weeks. I was booked in at 39+2

I was in for suspected stalled growth. They were still wanting to get to 39 weeks if possible. 38 weeks is still full term if baby decides to come that early but 39 weeks is the sweet spot for needing help breathing etc.

Thank you all for your advice and kind words. Baby boy arrived today at 4.30pm via planned section and the experience was wonderful. We are both well and resting now.

sending so much love to you all ❤️

Congratulations.

Congratulations! Hope you're having a smooth recovery and enjoying those wonderful newborn snuggles!

@Ebonythoughts congratulations 💙