Elective c-section after due date

[Harshini]

I had to have an emergency c-section with my first child at 41 weeks and my obstetrician has recommended that I have one with my second child who is due on 17 March. Originally he set a date of 12 March (5 days before my due date) but has since changed his mind and set a date of 21 March (5 days after my due date). He says this is because I went late first time and there is an increased risk of respiratory problems if he performs the c-section too early. I'm really concerned that the date is after my due date. Has anyone else had this experience?

[SassyMummy]

I think you should be thanking your OB for thinking of your baby!

It's safer to leave the baby in there for as long as he/she wants... so it's obviously a better choice than ripping him/her out too early.

I had what was classed as "elective" after my due date (2 weeks after)... but that was different because the only reason I had it was because I was overdue.

If you go into labour earlier than your scheduled c-sec, you can just march yourself up to the hospital and have one then. Make sure it's early on in hte labour though - it'll probably be easier that way.

[Shanaynay]

I second SassyMummy - your Ob sounds wonderful :yelclap:

Don't worry, I'm sure if you do go into labour eariler, there will be plenty of time to get up to the hospital for the surgery :yes:

[harvey123]

i think like everyone said he's just looking after your bub. i think they worry a bit that if the due dates is out a bit (can be a few weeks out) and you have your bub a few weeks early then your bub could actually be quite a few weeks early. i think every week your bub gets still in your tummy is pretty important. although going overdue is hell on earth so you have you my sympathy. i went to 41wks and still had a c/s and was not a happy camper.

[nickalex]

I think thats fantastic as it increases the likelihood of your baby actually arriving when he wants to ie...you may go into labour naturally, you will still get your c section.
Nicholas actually did this and I went into labour 2 days before my section was scheduled. Bizarre as it sounds I actually enjoyed going into labour (my first was induced and I didn't at all with my second).
However definately get into hospital as quickly as you can, I had to wait for my MIL to turn up and look after the other kids and when we arrived at the hospital the theatres were fully scheduled and they had to slot me in. I was told they could get me in in an hour or 6 hrs and that I wouldn't be able to have an epi in the meantime as all the anethesists were in theatre. Didn't fancy all that labour pain for no reason when I knew they would have to do a ceaser in the end. Mind you mine is a country hospital.

[comeinspinner]

While Breathing problems are a concern if your baby comes too early, establishing breastfeeding is also difficult.
I have been told by Doctors that the last thing to develop in a baby is their lungs and sucking reflexs (in the last 3-4 weeks that is).
My Son was delivered by emergency c/s 3 weeks early. Although he had no breathing problems (due to the fact I had steriod injections at 27 weeks as i had signs of delivering prematurly), he had trouble latching on to feed. It took me 3 months to finally get him feeding properly.
My DS was delivered by c/s a week before my Due Date. She latched on straight away. She knew what she was doing. She even had sucking blisters on her wrists when she was born from sucking in the womb.

As for the lung development, I watched this documentary on Nat Geo yesterday and it explains that Labour is triggered by a secreation of hormone from the lungs into the amniotic fluid. This tells the uterus that 'i am ready to be delivered, my lungs are ready to breathe air'. Hence, contractions begin and proves that the lungs do develop last.

Waiting is the best. Just remember only 5% of babies are born on their due date, so you might aswell say due dates are a rough guide, give or take a week either side.

Hope this helps you. :smiliedance: