elective cesarian?

Question

I'm 35 and planning to conceive.Are there any complications if u exceed 35) I am in good health ) Do they perform any complicated tests or is it optional?.....can i go for an elective cesarian?How do i find a doctor who does that?Please don't tell me any horrible stories !

Answer 1

After the age of 35 you have an increased risk of genetic disorders--the most common of which is trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). All tests are completely at your discretion, but they would probably suggest a more thorough screening, many of the tests can be done through blood testing and ultrasound, but some require amniocentisis. A lot of doctors allow elective cesarian, though not all, so if that's a top priority for you then you'll need to ask that question when choosing a doctor.

Answer 2

The main concern you face as you age is that your risk of conceiving a baby with a chromosomal problem goes up every year. For example, the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome rises from about 1 in 759 at age 30 to 1 in 302 at age 35, 1 in 82 at age 40.

If you'll be 35 or older on your due date, you'll be offered genetic counseling. A genetic counselor can help you understand your particular risks and help you decide whether to have genetic testing to screen for or diagnose chromosomal problems or other birth defects. Keep in mind that every woman has a chance of having a baby with problems, no matter what her age.

Other than that, if your weight is normal and you have no medical disorders, your risk of complications during the pregnancy is probably similar to that of younger women who are also in good health.

That said, the older you are when you get pregnant, the more likely you are to have a chronic disease, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, that may be undiagnosed and can affect your pregnancy.

You're also at higher risk of developing certain complications during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental abruption (in which the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall), and placenta previa (in which the placenta lies low in the uterus, partly or completely covering the cervix).

What's more, research shows that your chances of having a low-birthweight baby (less than 5 1/2 pounds) or a premature delivery increase with age. Some studies show that older women are more likely to need pitocin during labor, and most studies show a significantly higher rate of delivery by cesarean section.

Finally, researchers have found a higher risk of stillbirth and maternal death in women who give birth at 35 or older (though the overall number of stillbirths and women who die in childbirth each year has dropped significantly in the United States in the last few decades). The increased risk of these problems is largely due to underlying medical problems more common in older women. Proper diagnosis and treatment will help reduce the risks for both you and your baby.

Answer 3

I am all for c-sections. I had one and it was great to be able to not go through all of the pain (although I did go through labor for 11 hours first - baby was too big and wouldn't drop). It was a longer recovery but you feel better soon and it's just the same. Plan on being in the hospital for 5 days - usually you go home in 2 days.. but I didn't mind the hospital stay. I am not sure if some Dr.'s will LET you, but I know once you have one, most of them won't let you NOT have one! Fine with me!! Good Luck TTC

Answer 4

There are possibilities of problems and you need to talk to your dr. about special testings and screenings. And DO NOT have an elective c-section, that is just dumb! Ask any woman who has had a c-section, she would definitely tell you she would have loved to have delivered naturally!!!