Elective Caesarean booked in 18 days before due date - too early?

[Kilkenny]

Hi my Ob has booked me in 18 days prior to my due date (DD 20 jan 2015). No health issues, just that she will be on leave the next day. Has anyone been booked in this early? It's a big bub, so good for me, but just more concerned about bub. Thanks!

[LittleBug'sMum]

My understanding is that anything after 37 weeks is term, but I went public and they wouldn't let me have c-section before 39 weeks unless I went into labour before then.
That said, I think a lot if private OBs will do them earlier.

[BH-KatiesMum]

yeah I would be a bit hesitant for it to be that early.

if your ob was going to be on leave around your due date, why take you on? who is on their roster/rotation that will be available closer to your due date? Can you meet with them?

that really isnt ok

[Curby]

I wouldn't agree to that. Like a Pp said, have they got a partner who can do it instead? I think going on a leave is a pretty weak excuse for booking it in that early on your Obs behalf

[michellek]

Not quite that far but ds was booked 12days early (38+2). He was footling breech and a big baby with a few factors meaning it was better to book it earlier rather than risk me going into labour naturally first

[Ngaiz]

I wanted mine 10 days prior to due date an Ob said no way and I got 7 days prior instead. His view was that even though 37wks is considered term some bubs born before 38wks can still have respiratory complications which is more common in cs.

[granny1]

isnt full term 37 -42 weeks?

[J37]

It is usual practice to book elective Caesars for 37 weeks, and is considered term. This is to avoid the situation of the woman going into spontaneous labour, which may complicate the Caesarean, so is hence a safety mechanism.

From a medical standpoint, 18 days prior to your EDD is absolutely normal. Best wishes with your birth.

(As an aside, Obstetricians are allowed to take a break...many are on-call 24/7, and it is exhausting. As long as another Obstetrician covers their patients, obviously.)

Sent from my SM-N910G using The Bub Hub mobile app

[babyla]

I'm having an elective at 38 weeks. They are reluctant don't want to do it before that.

I'd be asking for some alternative options before deciding.

As pp said surely they have someone else who can so it?

[Zombie_eyes]

I dunno if i'd be accepting that
Op.

Ive had 2 electives they were done at 39 +4 and 39 - my last hospital, it was policy to not do it earlier than 39 weeks.