Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 14:20     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
I had a C-section at 37 weeks due to Pre-e and one baby born on their due date. I was very nervous knowing I'd have a 37 weeker, but baby was absolutely fine. He weighed a bit less than his older sibling and had a touch of jaundice, but that was it. I mentioned at each early pediatrician visit that he was a 37 weeker and each assured me in their opinion that is full term.
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 14:12     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
jaber20 wrote:The doctor I would prefer to do the surgery is the first doctor in the DC metro area who has actually heard of my condition: femoral neuropathy. He truly understands it the way a neurologist does (the other doctors don't). The two doctors that lack the understanding of my nerve damage have thought I should have a vaginal delivery and tried to persuade me in that direction. It has caused a lot of stress and frustration. This is my reason for not wanting them to do the cesarean.


In this case, definitely go for this doc. I had a c/s at 38 weeks 0 days and everything was fine. No lung issues and baby latched from 3 hours old (milk came in on day 3).
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 14:12     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
No matter how much I liked my doctor, I would not have a c-section prior to 39 weeks unless it was absolutely medically necessary. You could be putting your baby at risk for a lot of unnecessary problems.

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/pregnancy_39weeks.html
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 13:56     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
Anonymous wrote:Go early, don't risk it!



This. Without question.
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 13:13     Subject: Re:C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
I had one c-section at 37 weeks and 2 c-sections at 38 weeks. None were elective but all three babies were absolutely healthy. The 38 weekers were both 9+ lbs. No issues with any of them. I believe you are considered full-term at 37 weeks but docs like to wait for the 39 week mark. I think if there are significant health reasons for pushing it up a week, do it.
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 13:11     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
Ask your doctor's opinion on whether it's ok to have your c-section before 39 weeks. He'll have a much more informed opinion than the posters here who are just parroting the general ACOG advice. Sometimes there are medical reasons to have an early c-section. I'm in a somewhat similar boat (it would be risky for me to labor) and I will put a lot of weight of my doctor's advice re timing my c-section.
jaber20
Post 03/22/2013 13:07     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
Previous two posts are from OP
jaber20
Post 03/22/2013 13:06     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
I don't think it's wrong to seek out the best/most understanding doctor for you to perform surgery or deliver your baby if at all possible. Isn't it important to be calm and satisfied during your birth experience?
jaber20
Post 03/22/2013 13:03     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
The doctor I would prefer to do the surgery is the first doctor in the DC metro area who has actually heard of my condition: femoral neuropathy. He truly understands it the way a neurologist does (the other doctors don't). The two doctors that lack the understanding of my nerve damage have thought I should have a vaginal delivery and tried to persuade me in that direction. It has caused a lot of stress and frustration. This is my reason for not wanting them to do the cesarean.
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 12:55     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
Anonymous wrote:I think the advantage of having a mother who can walk outweighs the disadvantage of being born 2 weeks early. ACOG's advice is general advice, and clearly doesn't address this kind of potential trade off.

That being said, if you live close enough to the hospital and have quickly available childcare for your other child, an unscheduled c-section is not the same as an emergency one. You most likely will be awake for it, and it will be the same as a planned, except you'll spend less time in pre-op.


Yes, but it's not as if OP can't schedule a c-section at 39 weeks. She just won't get the doctor she prefers.
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 12:38     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
Anonymous wrote:I think the advantage of having a mother who can walk outweighs the disadvantage of being born 2 weeks early. ACOG's advice is general advice, and clearly doesn't address this kind of potential trade off.


I'm the pp who asked about health reasons and I agree w/ this. sounds like the risks to the mom clearly outweigh the risks to the baby.
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 12:24     Subject: Re:C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
Had mine at 38 weeks and 3 days for medical reasons. No NiCU stay. No breathing problems. No problems maintaing temperature. And no problems breast feeding at all.
Talk to your doc. He will guide you on how to proceed. But do not risk your health just for some recommendations that were made for pregnancies where there are no health issues for mom and baby.
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 12:17     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
I think the advantage of having a mother who can walk outweighs the disadvantage of being born 2 weeks early. ACOG's advice is general advice, and clearly doesn't address this kind of potential trade off.

That being said, if you live close enough to the hospital and have quickly available childcare for your other child, an unscheduled c-section is not the same as an emergency one. You most likely will be awake for it, and it will be the same as a planned, except you'll spend less time in pre-op.
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 12:10     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
OP - your situation is so unusual, I can't give advise, just wanted to say good luck with your choice and I hope everything goes well!
Anonymous
Post 03/22/2013 11:59     Subject: C section at 38 weeks, any problems?
Csection with twins at 38 weeks, no nicu stay, kids great and fine. Not sure if its different with one baby, but no problems at all with our situation.