Would you ask to delay a planned c-section at 37+5?

[Melcl1987]

I am 37 weeks and due to have a c section, at my scan last week they found the baby's head was big (98th percentile) and there was slightly high amniotic fluid and now seems I have GD. They have booked me in for a c section on Friday when I will be 37+5, from what I have been told this is more to do with the lack of slots to do the procedure than a need to do it urgently although the GD is a consideration.

My only concern is that there is supposedly an increased risk of respiratory issues with early births and this is something my first struggled with. Would you push fir an alternative date in this situation? I guess there is then a risk I don't get a slot till late

Yes I would ask for the next date available if it was not an urgency.

No I wouldn't seek to delay the offered date.

It’s your decision and they have to listen

It seems like the next date is four weeks later so I may not have a choice

Yes you can always ask, but try not to worry. My sons was delivered at 37 weeks and was fine. Best of luck

With them suspecting an unassisted birth may be difficult and create more complications and GD which can suddenly become a problem. I would go with the date offered. 37.5 is pretty much term and baby will be very well monitored.

My son was born vaginally at 10lb 7oz at dead on 37 weeks. I too had gestational diabetes. He was perfectly healthy with no respiratory issues. I think I’d go with the date offered.

No I wouldn't. My pregnancy had the same issue at the end with amniotic fluid and I had a planned c-sec at 37+3, a week earlier than expected. Baby was OK.

I would take the date offered. They should have weighed up the risk of respiratory issues at 37.5 weeks against the risks of GD and head size and explained to you why they recommended that approach. Good luck with the birth.

Yeah, I'd move it back. Scans are notoriously incorrect for size, both of mine were wrong, and GD is not a major risk factor if it's managed. You've got a history of babies with breathing difficulties. It's an easy call for me.

At nearly 38 weeks baby is basically term, I would go with the date you're offered personally. I would much prefer that to the anxiety of waiting until I go into labour and then having what is essentially an emergency section.

I would take the date offered. Flags have clearly been raised by the scan. Why would you ignore such risks?

I'd push it back. My DD was born at bang on 37 weeks and spent 2 weeks in the NICU for breathing issues. She had to come out there and then so we had no choice, but she would have benefited from another week or two.

I don’t think this can be classed as an early birth. My C section was exactly the same. 37 weeks + is full term so I’d accept the date and look forward to meeting your baby😊. I’d be far more worried about leaving it any later.

37+5 is full term

I had my daughter at 37+5 but that was because she had stopped growing. They gave me two shots of steroids to help any breathing issues. Have they offered this?

Hey, then do take the date. Wishing you the best of luck. Oh god I’m feeling broody now