I would not have a c-section at 38 weeks. Too many risks. ACOG does not recommend them before 39 weeks.

Thanks for the replies.

Go early, don't risk it!

jaber20 wrote:I was really lucky the motor function on my nerves came back (I don't think my luck will be so great this time, according to what docs are saying). My labor was 12 hours and I pushed for 2 hours. But my sister had a similar first birth and had her second in about an hour. Scares me. My first was 9 and a half pounds.

Under those circumstances, I would go for the slightly earlier c section. I gave birth at 34 weeks (not planned!) and the lungs were fine (got steroid shots a couple of days prior though). 38 weeks is practically full term. But talk to your docs, they'll be able to advise you best.

I was really lucky the motor function on my nerves came back (I don't think my luck will be so great this time, according to what docs are saying). My labor was 12 hours and I pushed for 2 hours. But my sister had a similar first birth and had her second in about an hour. Scares me. My first was 9 and a half pounds.

Wow OP - nerve damage does sound scary. In your case, I'm not sure what I'd do. How long was your labor last time? If it wasn't precipitous, then I'd wait til my EDD and then call as soon as labor starts if it happens before then.

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I potentially could not ever walk again if I go into labor and deliver the baby vaginally.

What are the "health reasons"? do they outweigh the chance of premature lungs?

My son was delivered via planned CS right around 38 weeks, 2 days. No problems at all. He was the same size as his sibling who was born 3 weeks later during my first pregnancy (both were smallish).

I wouldn't elect to have a c-section before 39 weeks. My c-section was at 37 weeks and although we didn't have NICU time, I noticed a big difference between my 37 week baby and my other son who was born at 39 weeks. Elective c-sections before 39 week aren't really recommended.

I won't know if the 38 weeks, 2 days, is an option until I speak to my doctor at the next appointment. It just seems like horrible luck that 39 weeks is the best for me & baby and the doctor I would prefer is not able to do the surgery. I agree with you to a certain extent about waiting until my due date. I had nerve damage and if I reinjure the nerve again (which has a high probability if I get to the pushing phase and is being highly discouraged), I may not gain motor function back in my leg again. So there is a risk for me going into labor...I would prefer to have a planned cesarean over an emergency if possible.

If the health concerns you're experiencing won't harm your baby in the meantime, I'd personally wait until my due date. If you go into labor before that, some one will be available to perform the c-section, but given that you went over in the past and your Dr is available on your actual due date, I'd rather give my baby full incubation time. It's really good for the lungs and brain development.

Plus, many local hospitals won't allow a c-section before 39 weeks anyway - are you sure the 38week2day section really is an option?

I just had mine at 37 weeks, 5 days and baby was perfect. It had been scheduled for 39 weeks, 3 days but I had some complications and baby needed to come out.

My practice is recommending a cesarean at 39 weeks for health reasons. The doctor I would prefer to do my surgery is only available to do the surgery at 38 weeks, 2 days, or on my due date. I know the benefits of waiting until my due date (I have a daughter who was born several days late and was thriving). Just wondering others experiences of having a cesarean at 38 weeks? Any breathing problems. It's really important to me that I get the doctor I want because I have had some complications and he seems to be the only practice who TRULY understands what is going on with me. He is the doctor I feel most comfortable with.

Thanks in advance.