Thank you all so much for your advice and support.
As many of you have said, an early birth means there is catching up to do with weight gain, but there is no reason to think development will be hindered.
An update following yesterday's consultation. Firstly, he was nicer than last time, and I feel a relationship could be important in the operating theatre
His view was that there is less than 1 per cent risk of breathing difficulties at 37 weeks, and that the vast majority of such problems are virtually insignificant. Time in care would usually involve the gentle addition of oxygen and even that is very rare.
He also said the choice was mine - that he is happy for me to hold out for another date and was very helpful in this regard - booking me in but making a note that my condition would be explained to whoever was on duty on an alternative day.
I then snooped about, and the lead midwife rates this guy highly. splatt put it most clearly when she said that his mention of a holiday was blurring my thinking. The midwife did say that he was known for his "unique" sense of humour! but that he's really very good.
So now I have to weigh up the alternative dates (further apart than desired because of the holiday, and the Easter weekend), but an advantage of the earlier date is another week with my DP not working, as it's earlier in the Easter holidays (we teach). And as my family really cannot be relied on for anything but making demands, this could be a massive bonus, especially after the c-section.
If you've made it this far, thank you for your attention.
Your comments, as ever, are welcome