C-Section at 38 weeks?

sorarose

Had my 30-week appointment today, and my doctor told me that if my low-lying placenta doesn't move (which is where he's leaning toward), I will need a c-section at 38 weeks.

Anyone else have to do this "electively" at 38-weeks or less? I'm concerned baby will not have cooked enough!

baileymama3

Why are they suggesting you need it at 38 weeks? Why would it make a difference at 39 or 40?

At least 37 is considered full-term and your little baby will be well on it's way to plump and healthy!!

fireflygirl12

I haven't had this done before, but also had a low-lying placenta and my OB also schedules for 38 weeks. 37 weeks is considered full-term and with a low-lying placenta, they don't want to risk you going into labor on your own. One of my friends has actually had all 4 of her kids at exactly 37 weeks (when she was taken off bed rest) and went home with them the next day.

AcaAwkward

I'm assuming his concern is that if you wait longer the baby could engage in your birth canal and out pressure on the placenta, potentially causing a bad bleed?

I had a planned c/s at 39 weeks with DD because of VCI -- my OB wanted to make sure my water didn't break on its own as it would have caused a hemorrhage.

I'm never one to be all that jazzed about a baby coming earlier than it naturally would, but if he has a valid medical reason for a section at 38 weeks, then I am sure your baby will be just fine! Technically, 38 weeks is full term!

pineconey

If you're uncomfortable, you can always ask for a second opinion from another doctor. Doesn't hurt to be well informed!

fireflygirl12

My understanding is that with Placenta Previa, they don't want you do have contractions on your own because if you start to dilate your placenta can disconnect from your uterus since it's attached so closely to the opening of your cervix.

misskristina21

I had DD by c-section at 38 weeks due to failed induction for high blood pressure. She was healthy and a good weight.

My repeat for this baby is 38w4d. My OB did it that way because I felt that maybe 38 weeks was too soon if I had no other health problems. But he was concerned that I would go early so we compromised at that.

KKG11467

I have a scheduled C at 37w 2d.
Plenty of time to cook!!

Rrrrrachel

Acog has really changed their tune that c section should be avoided if at all possible until 39 weeks. However low lying placenta is a pretty solid medical reason.

Cassi215

I am having twins and have elected to have a c-section at 38. I'm hoping it'll be easier on them and me especially because the last thing I want is one vaginal and one c-section.

fourthnlast

My last two I went into labor at 36 weeks and had the c-section at 36 weeks, both totally healthy and went home when I did.

amhah09

Ugh. Mobile is being wonky.

What I was going up add is that per new ACOG guidelines as others have mentioned, 39 weeks is now considered "full" term and that's when inductions and c/s are now recommended BUT 37 weeks is still considered "early" term so I would think with placenta previa and its bleeding risks, 38 weeks is a good compromise. It's worth mentioning to your OB if you're concerned though.

Shavluk

I am having a scheduled c-section on April 23 (38 weeks) because I am having twins. Your doctor will continue to monitor and check progress of baby.

Mustardseed2007

I agree that you should talk to your doctor about this so you understand exactly what his concerns are. But I wouldn't call it elective to have an early c section if you have placenta previa. Your doctor is probably trying to deliver your baby as late as possible but before you have contractions, which with that placenta placement can cause severe bleeding that could put both you and your baby at risk.

I also have complete placenta previa but a few other complications as well so my doctor is talking even earlier for me.

Airynn Chica

My DD was born at 38w2d as I went in to labor and she was a 10/10 apgar score. I had a c-section but we were home 36hours after delivery.

I assumed 38w was normal for scheduling a c-section. I am hoping my doctor lets me hold out until 39w as my term (we teach year around) finishes when I'm 38w3d and if I don't finish the term my maternity leave starts 5 weeks earlier!

I also want to ask him next week if there is a price difference between a scheduled c-section and just going into labor then having a c-section.

waraz89

I have a csection scheduled for 35w6d for various reasons, hoping I have enough time for baking too! I will be having steroids to help lung development.
I'm sure your doctor wouldn't schedule the section if there was any doubt

sorarose

Thank you everyone for all the feedback. I understand that they do 38 weeks to be on the safe side, since my placenta is only 1 stinking centimeter from my cervix. From my understanding of the subject, going into labor and "electing" (even if it's not really elective) to have a c-section are different because the baby was more ready to come out.

My question was more for women who didn't have an emergency c-section, but for whatever reason, had a planned one at 38 weeks. Were there any issues? How is baby now?