Can I ask for elective c section surgery to be brought forward due to anxiety?

[Cherry85]

Currently 37 weeks with DS2 and had a section with DS1 as he was breach. As I am 40, had a section before we have opted for an elective this time as it feels like a safer option - i also have too much fluid surrounding baby so this reinforced this decision.

Over the past two years a friend has lost a baby at full term, and seperately we lost another friend my age to pre eclampsia after baby was delivered.... so I am already nervous.

A friends wee boy innocently told our 5 year old that babies sometimes die at birth the other day and he has spent most of the weekend freaking out, attached to me or in tears.... it wasnt a mean comment but he remembers it happening to a family member and just an unfortunate comment.

I just feel like I want this over now - I am so scared and would just rather we get him out safely sooner rather than later - is there any point in me feeding this back to my midwife or consultant? I have my section date booked for 14th but i just feel like its so far away and really affecting me now.

I can imagine how you’re feeling as my second child was
given a 5% chance of surviving his birth but unfortunately it is best to hold on. The likelihood of anything happening to your baby is very low. 37 weeks is no longer universally considered full-term and the baby is probably better off where he is. I would make sure you know the symptoms of pre-eclampsia and count the kicks and make sure you are being positive when you talk to your son.

There’s no harm in asking, they might be more lenient given your age.

Talk to them. They may be reluctant to move the date forward because of the risk involved with being born early, but it won't hurt to ask. Maybe they will be able to offer additional monitoring/checks on your health/scans for reassurance?