whats the earliest you can get a c section?

Question

I am 37 weeks and dont want to wait till 40 weeks

Answer 1

If this is a repeat section, then it's up to your doctor. Most hospitals now require that you be at 39 weeks or an amnio has to be done first to determine if the baby's lungs are fully developed. Unless you have a medical justification, the doctor won't do that (he doesn't get paid extra for that).

In my case, with a vertical incision, it would automatically be done at 38 weeks with or without an amnio. Pretty much anybody who doesn't have the standard low-horizontal scar is in this boat because there is risk of uterine rupture even without labor.

So, my feeling is that you can ask your doctor to do the c-section a week earlier and s/he will likely be on board for that. The end of pregnancy is hard on most women. Thankfully, they come out!

If this is a primary section, it depends on the reason for the section. If you have high blood pressure or IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation), it is likely the doctor will be fine with 38 weeks. If you have Gestational Diabetes or just a baby bigger than your slim hips may allow, likely not until 39 weeks as there is no urgency. I will tell you though that nearly all the Moms with planned c-sections at the hospital my Mom works at deliver at 39 weeks, not 40 unless they ask. They prefer to do it before she goes into labor.

Answer 2

I just had a c section 8 days ago. My original due date was July 4th and my doctor sugested that I go a week early so I don t risk going into labor. This is my 2nd c section and the recovery was much quicker this time around. So I would say anytime between 38 weeks and 40 would be fine. By 37-38 weeks the baby is physically able to live outside the womb. Hope this helped.
JoAnn

Answer 3

technically you are at a "safer" range right now but I doubt your doctor would do it now just for convenience... you would have to have other problems with the pregnancy for them to justify the risk of doing it early.