Can I have my C-section earlier?

Hi mamas!! I just spoke to the midwife requesting an elective C-section. They’ll probably recommend it anyway due to it being likely that I have diabetes (genetics due to ethnicity and my dad has type 2). My due date was Feb 14th which is at 40 weeks. What week was your C-section delivery scheduled? Ideally for me, the earlier the better to ensure that I don’t go into early labour and to maximise my partner’s time at home with me. He’s a freelancer and doesn’t get paternity leave and he has to start a big project on the 10th Feb because we need the money. He has the entirety of January off between two contracts. Is it possible to have it scheduled at 37 or 38 weeks? And how do I go about making sure that happens? Thank you all!! 💖

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They normally schedule it during week 39, unless there’s risk to you or baby and it needs to be done earlier. They want to do it as late as possible so that the baby is ready and fully developed and minimise the need of the baby needing NICU care. If you go into labour before the scheduled date then it becomes an emergency c-section.

It’s usually scheduled for week 39 but you can ask. If you have GD, they might put you in at 38 but rarely are electives at 37 as the baby might need steroid help at that age. I went into labour in week 38 though and just had my section on that day. Baby was fine and needed no help whatsoever xx

@Alexandra Thank you! Is it strictly 7 days or can it be “within” 39 weeks so between 7-10 days. Is asking for an earlier delivery date possible? For example, 3rd or 4th Feb?

I assume it’s within the 39th week. Some hospitals have one day in the week when they do electives, so it may depend on that too. No harm in asking the consultant to be honest.

I was scheduled originally for 39+3 as normally week 39. However due to space and babies arriving early mine got moved forward to 38+6. We were sent home after 24 hours.

I had mine at 39+1

They've told me ideally from 39 weeks, but I will be able to firm up a date next scan appt

My C-section was booked for after my due date

My 3rd c section is scheduled for 39 weeks which would be first week of Feb. I am high risk for pre term labour and small babies. Also high risk for scar rupture as had all my babies close together but this has not changed the date they have scheduled as this baby is growing nicely and there are no complications. Which scares me as my last I went into labour early and came very close to scar rupture and babies heart dropping out for a while. I'm hoping my next consultant appointment I can persuade them to change it to an earlier date as I'd like closer to 35 weeks

If your due date is 14th and they have scheduled for 39th week then it will be between 7th and 13th of Feb

39 weeks

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