what do you tell people your due date is, when you know you're having an ELCS?

[Jacksmybaby]

"Original" dd (i.e. 40 wks) or expected ELCS date (i.e. 38/39/whatever wks)?

Just curious really, I know it doesn't actually matter in the slightest.

I just say due date but will be induced two weeks early and then say that date it makes me feel better saying I have six weeks left rather than eight!

I was given my elcs date before I was 30 weeks pg, so told people the date. (It was 39+2, btw, they tend not to do them as early as 38 weeks now, if possible).

Once I found out (36 weeks) I told them the actual date.

Mine was 38+2, btw.

I told people my original dd and clarified it by saying that I'd have a section probably the week before (didn't want people to know the actual date).

I'm finding it depends whether I want to risk a conversation about why I'm having an ELCS, what's wrong etc. As it happens my EDD moved around a few times in the early days, so I can't actually remember exactly what it (they) were anyway. So I just stick to 'late July', and that covers everything....I don't much want people to know the exact date, either. Not sure why.

Thanks for the replies. Like barkfox, I have just been saying "early Oct", which covers all bases, to everyone other than close friends/family, on the basis that most people are just asking to be polite and don't really want a detailed discussion about the gory details, and nor do I really!

My friend who had an ELCS knew from very early on the date the CS would be. She just told people the date of the CS. Why wouldn't you want people to know the date?

I don't have a date yet. I don't know why I wouldn't want people to know the exact date but somehow I don't think I would. Can't explain it!

Not in that position yet, i.e. don't know whether will have ELSC or not, but I've wondered the same thing if I do find myself in that position. I think that, like barkfox, it will depend on whether I'd want to risk the conversation. I think it helps that a friend recently had an ELCS and was very open about it.

With most people I'd tell them both dates but there are some I'd not mention the ELCS to until its happened (or more imminent). Would probably tell them the due date and 'oh dear, baby came early, and had EMCS'.

Mind you, I'm seriously thinking of adding a couple of weeks to the EDD for the benefit of one or two people who made complete nuisances of themselves last time around

I give EDD. I have 2 possible dates for ELCS but wont tell anyone the real date until last minute in case it changes. Although am likely to be 38 weeks rather than 39/40 as I more likely to have problems.

I said my due date until I got my elcs date - now I just say 10 June! If it's a chatty place I will say it's an elcs this time, and earlier on I said due date 'but it'll be a week early as I'm having a section'.

Depends if you mind the reasons - I am quite happy to spill the horror story if someone is curious enough to ask (though I always temper it tons for people who haven't had kids!).

I found the whole code of secrecy around labour, birth and recovery problems didn't help me so I hope being open with people (thought trying to avoid tmi) helps them feel ok if they are still dealing with postbirth issues too. Seems to bring up lots of chat at times - like today at playgroup about bladder troubles ongoing and the joy of tena.

My friend told everyone her "natural" due date, but we knew she was having an elcs. She din;t tell anyone the elcs date, becuase then she would still be able to do the "surprise, baby is here" thing!2 days before elcs data her DH spilt the beans. We all decided to ignore him!