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.

NP here--I was about to agree with the other PPs who suggested scheduling for your due date and just going in for an unplanned/urgent (non-emergency) cs if you went into labor before that, but after reading this, my concern would be if you did that and went into labor and got one of the unsympathetic docs, they'd pressure you to try a vag birth first--and in labor is NOT the time to argue about it!

It does seem from what you are saying that a cs is absolutely the right decision for you, so I think if I were in your shoes I would go ahead and schedule the 38w2d cs with your preferred doc, assuming he/she agrees. And I say this as a major proponent of unmedicated birth who is also irrationally terrified of cs's. Best of luck to you!

Every pregnancy is different. I would get a second opinion from another OB if you are concerned.
You are going to get both ends of the spectrum here. I've seen a few posters that would never do a c-section before 39 weeks and their view is based on the what they have seen in their lives. I have had 3 c-sections at 37 weeks (all for medical reasons). All three babies have been completely healthy, and scored 9 or 10 on the evaluations at birth.

I had two emergency Cs. One at 40wk1d, the other at 37wk1d. Both kids were good weight, (8lb2oz and 7lb12oz respectively) healthy and now, 7 and 5 years later are perfectly healthy, haven't seen a ped in years other than well visits. Good luck, OP!

Emergency c-section at 36 weeks. No problems whatsoever.

OP, if your doctor is comfortable with the earlier date and you trust your doctor (which it certainly sounds like you do), that's the best source to listen to. The posters here who are telling you they "absolutely, definitely, under no circumstances" would deliver at the earlier date are likely not medical professionals and likely are not facing the same potential complications you face. Yes, in an ideal world, all babies would be born at 40 weeks. But, that's not how life works. Many, many, many babies are born earlier for a whole host of reasons and have zero complications or delays during infanthood and beyond. I would not trust a single person taking an extremely absolute position via an anonymous forum.

I had a c section at 37 weeks 5 days. The babies were breech and one had a velamentous cord insertion, so it was recommended. The girls are very healthy...didn't need any nicu time and have been nursing well right from the recovery room. They were 5 lbs 11 oz and 6 lbs 7oz.

At 38 weeks, the chances of any serious complications are very, very low. I would do it at 38 weeks given that you have other issues.

Went into labor and had my baby at 36 1/2 weeks. Baby had to go in and out of nicu for a few tests, no breathing problems. Baby and I went home together that same week. Good luck and if doctor allows it I would def stick with him to deliver a bit early.

Anonymous wrote:OP. I think in your case it would be important to have a surgeon performing your opeartion who is knowledgable of your condition. Anything less and you could potentially have a less than favorable outcome.

I concur. If you aren't healthy you can't mother your child in the best manner possible. Seems like the obvious solution is the early C-section with the dr you prefer.

OP. I think in your case it would be important to have a surgeon performing your opeartion who is knowledgable of your condition. Anything less and you could potentially have a less than favorable outcome.