Elective C Section - NHS

[Elephant768]

For various reasons, and after a lot of consideration, we would like to put our baby boy into the world by elective C section. At my last midwife appointment at ~ 17 weeks she said I didn’t need to ‘talk about it yet’ and that I could discuss at my 28 week appointment.

As I’m 21 weeks, and to me the pregnancy seems right around the corner I messaged my midwife team last night expressing my wishes and so she booked me a consultant OB appointment on the 23 dec…. Does this seem too close to the due date? Our baby is due first week of march.

I read online that the consultant has to agree to it and if they don’t, will refer you to one that will. Its fine if they do agree but what if they don’t I might not have a C section booked in well into February?

Is this all normal procedure?

Sounds normal to me. Could even be a week or two before the C section date that you get a day and time.

Usually electives are sometime in the 39th week.

I’d say pretty normal. If your booking an elective section it’s not normally booked until a few weeks before baby is due xx

Yes this is a normal timeline. Women in our trust don't usually find out their date until the week before.

Thanks all - that’s reassuring. I only raised my eyebrows because our friend based in the US seemed to have her C section booked almost immediately after conception (but I guess because it’s privatised over there)

I didn't get a date until 36 weeks.

May I ask what the general process was like to get one? Did the first consultant that you saw agree to it?

Mine was due to previous emergency c section but I think patient choice is a reason they accept. My first consultant appointment (20 or 24 weeks sorry can't remember) I put in the request and then at 32 weeks I did the paperwork and signed the consent form. I did also have to see the VBAC midwife on zoom to go through what would happen if I went into labour or changed my mind.
I got a date 36 weeks on the dot for my due date and luckily DD wasn't early!

I am due to have a 3rd C Section tomorrow because I have had 2 previous C Sections.

I was advised to have a C Section at 14 weeks appointment (but this may be different if it's for different reasons)
Signed the paperwork at 32 weeks and got a rough date (preliminary but definitely not guaranteed)
Date did not actually get confirmed until today - the day before!!! 😜

I didn’t get sign off for my elective until 36 weeks (even though it was medically necessary and life saving for me and my third baby) sometimes they really like to cut it close to the bone!!

ahhhh good luck! Congratulations I hope all went smoothly and you’re with your little baby :)