Questionable C-section

I've had 3 c-sections and my last two were each done 10 days before my due date. They usually want to do them a week to a week and a half before your due date so that you don't go into labor on your own.

When they schedule c-sections each doc has their own preference. My friends that had them (the 2nd time around) had to schedule them WITHIN THEIR LAST WEEK before the due date. One wanted to do 2 weeks before but the doc wouldn't unless she did an amnio to make sure the babys' lungs were fully developed.

If the doc recomends one to protect the baby, I'd do it.

Hi R.,

Just ask your doc but unless your STD causes a complication in some way there would be no need to do it earlier unless there is some schedule conflict. As a side note and I don't want to get personal but if your STD is herpes, unless you have an outbreak at time of delivery, you can have a natural birth. My BFF had two kids naturally and no problems. Best of luck and congrats!

They usually do it around your due as they don't want to risk you going into labor , they may schedule for the week before.

Congrats on your upcoming family blessing!
One word: RESEARCH
Frankly, if you had your heart &(body) set on having natural & vaginal birth, then you should speak to your OB/midwife about this "possible" STD, since you have 3 weeks ahead of you he/she should recommend suppression therapy (taking the antidote/meds) so that you may go "au naturel" after all.
I've heard from a few friends that have had C-sections and they have usually been scheduled for it at least a week prior due date.
Best of luck!

I'd wait to see what the dr. suggests, have a frank and open conversation, do same research and then make your decision. Let's face it, a vaginal birth is safer than a c-section unless you and your doctor make an informed decision to take the other route. And then, he/she will basically tell you the date of the surgery. Planned c-sections are usually i the early AM on specific days. Good luck - enjoy your new baby!!

My Doctor's preference was to schedule before my due date (we agreed on four days before) so that hopefully I didn't go into labor- If you go into labor then it becomes more of an emergency situation. My biggest peice of advise- try and avoid scheduling on a Friday- being in the hospital over the weekend was not the best plan... My c-section was super easy and my recovery was much quicker then some of my friends with vag deliveries- esp if they tore... Being able to plan and prepare really helps.

I would certainly research. c sections ar major abdominal surgery. Its hard emotionally on the mama and there can be a whole lot of complications for the mama and the baby. Our countries c section rate is through the roof and its rising. Do lots of your own research and talk to other mom s who may have had similar experiences. Just remember going through labor is like a mother being born. Its very traumatizing if you can forego the c section at all, i would. Praying for you mama!

Typically they do them around 39 weeks. Since you have an STD, the issue is exposing the baby, which can happen when your water breaks and when the baby passes through the birth canal. So they want to do the surgery before your due date -- before you're likely to go into labor on your own.

I agree that a c-section is major surgery and shouldn't be taken lightly, but it sounds like your doctor has good reason. Good luck!

That depends on your condition. With some std's (for example herpes) you may even have a vaginal birth if your disease is well controlled (for example with medication) and you are not having an outbreak. Some infections can be treated before birth (clamydia, gonorrhea).
If your infection cannot be treated before your due date or you have an active infection you and your physician will need to weigh risks and benefits and determine your delivery date from there.
If you can I would wait until 39 weeks or later - sometimes that isn't possible due to the nature of your condition...

You doctor will choose the actual date depending on his schedule.
Don't be afraid to get a second opinion, if you have doubts about your diagnosis or suggested treatment options.

hi R., i had a c-section with my first child and her due date was 11/24 but on one of my appts. my gyn noticed that my amniotic fluid was very low so she pushed it up to 11/14. so it is very normal to have the c-section earlier than your original due date. also the recovery, is not as bad as people make it sound. The first week you're a little sore but by the 2nd week you feel alot better! after a month i was doing great. just try to have some help for the first 2 weeks that the baby's home, just because you shouldn't be bending down and putting the baby on your belly to feed it (because of your c-section healing). This is verrrry important.........when you leave the hospital they'll give you this girdle thing that you're supposed to wrap around your belly to give you support. Definately use that girdle thing because it helps to have support while you're healing! My cousin didn't want to use hers, and as a result she was sore for about a month before she started feeling better! I hope all this helps you! good luck with everything! -M.

Question your doctor about the real need for c-section. She/he may be more comfortable but it may not be the only way. Ask for second opinion as well. Best wishes.

You don't mention why they think you need a c-section? How would they know at this point? Babies born by c-section don't experience a whole host of positive events that occur during regular labor. My first was delivered by c-section because she turned sunny-side up and her head was too big to fit through the birth canal. I think my doctor should have tried to turn her, but I was too tired at that point to argue. My second was a c-section because I was measuring big and they weren't sure it would be safe for me to try a vaginal birth. She was only 7lb 3 oz...I think I could have spit her across the room..I wish I would have insisted on an ultra-sound to estimate her weight. My third was a big baby at 8lbs 15oz...but if I hadn't already had two c-sections I'm sure a vaginal birth wouldn't have been a problem.

C-sections are way over done these days. Doctor's schedule them to fit a mom's schedule or theirs. Pretty sad. My second child had to spend several hours under observation because she had a sneeze that indicated her lungs still had fluid...most babies expell the fluid during labor. I wouldn't do a c-section if it wasn't absolutely necessary. I recovered easily, but I've always regretted it. It's surgery and there are more risks involved than regular birthing.

Find out why before you agree to anything.

I feel badly that your question has become a referendum on c-sections! Clearly your doctor has good reason to lean towards a c-section. IF it turns out it's better for the baby, so as not to expose the baby to an STD, then that's a sound decision. Although vaginal birth is preferable, I had to have an emergency c-section and we were FINE.They'll likely schedule you a little bit early. Good luck.

I had a scheduled c section with my 2nd daughter because that ultra sound measured her as a big baby. My doctor was concerned of shoulder distocia (sp?) so he wanted to deliver her by c section. My surgery was scheduled a week before her due date. If the baby is big enough and healthy enough the doctor may deliver when you want or when it fits his schedule. I was pretty scared about the thought of a c section but having been through it I would certainly have another one. I didn't go through any type of labor at all. A whole lot less painful then my vaginal birth with my first daughter.

Good Luck!

Hi R.
Congrats on your new baby soon to be able to be held!!
I had 3 C-sections, the first an emergency the rest I agreed to have a C-section, but with all of them I went into active labor before I was scheduled.
Second C, I was only 3 days early, but OB didn't schedule repeat c's. My 3rd c was for the twins and they were born at 37 weeks 6 days.
There is not really one answer for your question, everything depends on the situation and keeping the baby safe
God bless you

doesn't matter

one of the most fabulous things about a scheduled c-section is getting to pick your child's birthday

The c-section can be performed any time after your 38th week. You and your doc will pick a date and time.
Why do they think you'll need a c-section though? It's so much harder on you than labor.