C-section at 38(ish) weeks 5/19 update

Due to some issues with my health, the topic of me having an early c-section has been put on the table (at about 37 or 38 weeks). I never seriously entertained the thought of a c-section before now so I am just starting to do my research.
What are your thoughts on c-section? Am I crazy to entertain taking the baby before he is ready to come out on his own?
I am a bit confused and overwhelmed right now.

Update-
I met with my doc today and we decided that if we decide to, we will try induction at 38 weeks and not jump right into a c-section.

Message edited 5/19/2006 11:00:21 AM.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

I can understand this would be totally overwhelming. I would say do a lot of research on the subject. I hate the thought of a c-section, but if my baby's or my own health were at risk I would consider it. Do you mind sharing what the health concerns are?

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

I would think your health is important in this equation. A scheduled c-section is somewhat common (from what I read/hear), so I'm sure you and baby will be fine at 37/38 weeks.

I'm not sure if you were looking forward to a natural birth, or if a c-section is a disappointment for you...but IMO, I would love to know when exactly I am having baby so I can be prepared (but that must be my type A personality speaking )

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

Deb- I am having a c-section at 38 weeks due to a complication. The doc assured me that the baby will be fully developed at that point- and it is really for the best- good for baby and mommy.

I feel cheated, b/c I really wanted to deliver naturally, but I may not be able to have more children-they are concerned about a uterine rupture due to surgery I had two years ago- to correct an infertility issue.

So bascially I really trust my doctor and I truly believe he would not steer me in the wrong direction.

Good luck.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

i'm 37 weeks and have an appointment tomorrow to see where i stand...

i have always wanted to have a vaginal birth, but due to gestational diabetes and my small frame a c-section is not out of the question. there was some talk of being induced last week, but i personally do not wish to go that route and would rather a c-section.

c-sections scare the cr@p out of me, but i will do what is deemed best for the little one...

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

no advice only

The only thing that I know is that a c-section is more dificult to recover from. Good luck in whatever you choose

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

I am scheduled for a c-section at 38 weeks due to the fact that i am having identical twins and my doctor feels that there are too many complications to deal with to go naturally. I might be in the minority here but i am very much looking forward to the c-section. For my health and the babies health i want to have one.

If your doctor feels you should have a c-section due to a health issue, do your research and make a decision. However, in my case I have put total trust in my doctor. \

ETA-I don't feel like i am taking my babies out before they want to come out. My doctor has assured me that the babies will be fully developed by 37 weeks and they won't be considered premature.

Message edited 5/15/2006 12:55:31 PM.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

It all depends on the health reasons and if you truly believe your doctor's recommendation is for your benefit.
There are many reasons that a c/s is necessary, and many that is just a convience for the doctors. If you are still hesitate then perhaps you should request another meeting with your doctor. Why a c/s over induction? Why at 38 weeks over 40 weeks?
What are the risks of waiting to go into labor naturally? A c/s carries risks..it is major surgery..weigh out the risks/pros/cons/benefits.
Is the doctor that made the rec'd one that you like in the group or is there another you trust more? If so, make an appt with the other doctor and discuss this all with him/her. Do you feel a 2nd opinion is important?
If a natural birth is important to you, then add that to the list. Don't let people make you feel bad or guilty because you don't want a c/s. Many, many women truly desiree a vaginal birth. There is nothing wrong with that.

I got bullied into mine. Everyone knows how I felt/feel about that. If I was doing it over again I would never allow myself to be bullied and go against my better judgement. So that is why I am saying to ask more questions, figure out if the answers make sense to you. If they do and you are comfortable with the situation then approve the surgery. If not, tell the doctors straight out you are not comfortable with their rec'd and at this time you will not be approving the surgery. You are the final say!! We should trust our doctors, but I for one, was lied to over and over again...so not all doctors do and say what is best for the patient.

Another thing to remember..which I was NEVER told..once you have a c/s, you are not considered just a pregnant women the next time around. You are a VBAC..and that is very different. I needed a 2nd surgery a year later for c/s internal scaring (which is NOT because of the doctor, but rather just the way my body healed). So that is why I say listen to your inner gut and get the answers you need.

Message edited 5/15/2006 1:04:55 PM.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

I will be having a scheduled c-section 10 days before my due date because of medical reasons. And if my pressure remains high I will be going even sooner.

I am actually very excited about it As of right now, I know his birthday and I am very well prepared.

I feel that after 37 weeks the baby is healthy enough to come out. I also don't think the doctor would do anything that would jeopardize the baby or you.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

I ended up having a c-section at 38.5 weeks. Read my birth story, I had a great experience! Good Luck to you, Deb!
http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic-50752-1.html

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

Ladies,
Thank you so much for your replies/sharing your experiences, i really do appreciate it!
I don't need to make the decision today so I am going to give it some time to sink in.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

I had to have an emergency c-section with my first and this one will be scheduled. I was so scared to have it at first but after all was said and done my experience was just fine and I am actually glad to be having another one.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

I too had a sched c-sect at 37.5 weeks due to health concerns, and my fathers departure....

I couldve waited to go on my own- for my matter was not life or death- just rather, extreme discomfort...


I knew my baby was "fully cooked" because I had an amnio done to test gestation, and lung maturity, 2 days before.... (my DR would not take the baby w/o this test)


I had a great experience.... and a fairly quick recovery....

To me- if there are health issues for me and or my baby- then I wouldnt even be putting a 2nd thought into this...

Im wondering though- why wont they induce you instead??? I know alot of DR.'s dont like to induce someone- if there body hasnt made any natural progess (has somewhat dialated, and cervix has thinned.... hence while I was giving the c-sect. or what it out choices...)If you start to progress on your own...will they induce you instead?

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

I have preeclampsia and basically I can go anytime between now (36 wks Thursday) and my due date based on my BP and urine analysis - like from the Drs office to the hospital. Fortunately my BP is behaving and urine tests are borderline.

I would think at 38wks the baby would be mature enough for delivery.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

Deb you know I had one- at 38 weeks. So if you have any questions please feel free to FM me

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

Deb, Its a hard decision. You know I didnt want a c/s either. But I have to say, hindsight...I was in labor from 5pm on Thursday until about 2:30pm the following day...that's almost 22 hours of pain. Really really bad pain. I ended up having Katie via c/s at 3:10pml.

Looking back, after going through all that pain and STILL having to have a c/s, I think next time Im going to make an appt and just schedule the c/s. I went through so much pain and was completely exhausted and wiped out from all that labor. The baby was in distress and I had a 102 fever.

My vote is schedule your c/s. Although it may not be the way you saw having your baby, if its better for you and the baby, you should do it.

There are a few things that I'm glad I didnt have to worry about - like tearing or being stitched up...and no hemroids (sp?)...

Recovery for me was slow but Im a slow healer. Good luck with your decision

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

I had a c-section at 39 weeks (because Jordana was breech) and she is a healthy baby girl. I had a very easy recovery and am feeling great 4 weeks pp. FM me if you have any questions.

I was very upset and disappointed when the doctor told me I needed a c-section. I actually cried in the office. I really wanted to go to labor and deliver naturally. But it wasn't meant to be- and my baby's health was more important than my desire to have a natural child birth.

In the end- it was the right decision and I have my beautiful baby girl!!

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks

Update-
I met with my doc today and we decided that if we decide to, we will try induction at 38 weeks and not jump right into a c-section.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks 5/19 update

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks 5/19 update

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks 5/19 update

My sister is having her scheduled C-Section 18 days before her due date because of medical reasons.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks 5/19 update

Good luck. I really hope everything turns out the way you want!

Either way your little one will be here soon.

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks 5/19 update

Glad you and your doctor came to the best conclusion for you both

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks 5/19 update

Deb, I hope you are feeling better - I think that is a good plan, that is exactly the way I would want it too !

Re: C-section at 38(ish) weeks 5/19 update

Posted by ana6178

Posted by DebG

Update-
I met with my doc today and we decided that if we decide to, we will try induction at 38 weeks and not jump right into a c-section.

I really hope it works out for you.