Scheduled C-Section: Timing & Risks - Expert Advice

Question
I have a scheduled c-section in 2 weeks. I currently have just turned 35 weeks now. I also have been having contractions on and off now for about a couple weeks. Do you think I could have my doctor perform a c-section this week if I am at least 2 centimeters dilated?

Answer
Absolutely not.  Even scheduling a c-section for 37 weeks can be very hazardous to your baby's health.  Not only are babies born via scheduled c-section 3 times as likely to die as babies born vaginally, but babies who are taken out of the womb before they naturally begin labor are much more likely to suffer from breathing problems and spend time in the NICU before being able to come home.  Normal gestation lasts for 37-42 weeks.  If your baby is supposed to stay in until 42 weeks, then at 37 weeks your baby will be more than a month premature.  At 35 weeks, your baby would be almost two months premature, and might not even be able to suck or maintain body temperature, let alone breathe independently.

Dilation and effacement mean nothing when it comes to going into labor.  Some women can be completely closed, then go into precipitous labor and be holding their baby in a few short hours; other women can be dilated to 4cm for weeks with no signs of labor.  There is no way to know in advance which one you will be.  Your safest bet for you and your baby, unless there is a medical necessity for an emergency c-section, is to at least wait until labor begins before going in for your c-section.