Is it OK to have a c-section at 38 wks?

Question

I thought they were done at 39 to 39.5 wks usually but my doctor is on holiday that week so has said he will do it a week early.

Answer 1

I would say no way!! The birth of your child is much more important than a vacation..I would change the date of the surgery or use a different physician.

Answer 2

I had a c section at 34 weeks, as she came early and was in breach and she is fine

Answer 3

Inductions and c-sections are one of the main causes of premature birth, ultrasound dating is plus or minus 5 - 21 days depending on when the ultrasound was done, the skill of the person doing the ultrasound, etc.  Other method of dating are also more or less accurate based on similar factors.  If you think you are 38 weeks, and you are really 36 weeks then the baby will be preterm.  Some baby's, particularly boys, have problems with speech and suckling at 36 weeks.  Any baby born weighing less than 6lbs 8oz regardless of gestation is at increased risk of anemia, and other problems.  Less than 5lbs 8oz increases the risks again.

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/t...

Even with early pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, induction of labor remains one of the largest causes of prematurity. Ultrasonic estimation of gestational age is still an inexact science; the range of error increases as pregnancy advances. Artifact and technician inexperience can multiply the inaccuracy. Many practitioners seem unaware of this error range or, alternatively, are unwilling to second guess a due date "confirmed" by ultrasound, even when the woman's history and clinical assessment indicate a later due date. Hence, the woman may be induced, even though the baby is clearly several weeks early. Some people discount the danger of early induction as long as the baby is within the last month of gestation. But even minor degrees of prematurity can cause harm. Babies born before full maturity can suffer from breathing difficulties or transient tachypnea, requiring separation in the hospital. They may be more prone to meconium aspiration. They are at risk for hypoglycemia and may have trouble maintaining body temperature. They are at increased risk for nursing difficulties and feeding disorders. They suffer from colic and digestive disturbances. These "minor problems" can affect the early bonding experience and make family adjustments more difficult. The incidence of child abuse is higher with "difficult" babies. As midwives we should aim for our families to experience the best emotional as well as physical health possible. A timely birth is a good step in this direction!

Preterm birth is rising in the United States. Some of this rise results from misjudged due dates and the fear of postdates pregnancy. Some reason that the risk of inducing an early baby is lower than the risk of allowing a pregnancy to continue past due, even when the due date is uncertain. This might be true if the perceived risk of postdates matched the actual risk. But it doesn't!

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitami...

In addition, there is evidence that babies whose birth weights are less than 3000 grams - about 6.5 pounds - (whether term or premature) tend to have reduced iron stores at birth and appear to need additional iron earlier.

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/...

There are a lot of doctors who say it's O.K. to take a baby out a little bit early because they're going to do well — and it's true. It's only seven per 1,000 that are dying. Most of them do well. But still I think it's important to note that the infant mortality rate for late-preterm infants is three times what it is for [full-]term infants. This is not a difference that may be perceptible to the average obstetrician/gynecologist doing 300 deliveries a year. But when you're a statistician like me and you're grouping millions of births and thousands of infant deaths, you can see a difference there. Basically the longer that baby can stay in utero, the better it's going to do.

Answer 4

yes its fine, i was induced at 38 weeks as i couldnt take the weight anymore and my jamie a a 9 and a half pound perfectly healthy baby boy

Answer 5

yes i had both of mine at 36 & 37 good luck  

Answer 6

What!!!!! That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of.  Never would I put my baby's life in jeopardy because of my doctor's vacation.  that is pitiful and know that when your baby is ready, there will be another doctor to deliver.

Answer 7

Yes, it's OK.  Your are considered full term at 37 weeks.  

My C-section is scheduled for 36 weeks, 2 days, as I have had a previous emergency C-section and need to avoid laboring, and this is perfectly safe as well.  

Answer 8

We had ours scheduled at 38 weeks and had a 9 lb baby boy and it went PERFECT!  So yes if your doctor will do it, it's fine....I recovered wonderfully..was up the next day and some the same day..

Answer 9

we have many c/s at your hospital at 38wks. everyone is different and the baby's mature differently. if you are concerned, as the doctor to do an amnio to make sure the baby's lungs are mature befoer you have the c/s. this can even be done on the same day, before your c/s.  good luck