QuestionHi
Our baby is breech and I'm 34 weeks pregnant. We do not wish to attempt the turning of the baby, so I will be booked in for c section. Do we get to choose the date? We have one child already and can only get childcare when I'm 37 weeks.
AnswerTo answer your question simply, it depends on your provider. Typically, elective c-sections are scheduled between 37 and 39 weeks.
You are only 34 weeks, though. Your baby has up to eight more weeks to turn before you are overdue. Why schedule a c-section now? Will you still have a scheduled c-section if your baby turns? Would you have scheduled a c-section if your baby had never been breech? Are you aware that at least waiting for labor to begin before going in for surgery increases your baby's chances at a healthy start?
You say you can only get childcare for your older child at 37 weeks. Did you plan to have a c-section at 37 weeks as soon as you got pregnant? What were your plans for childcare before you found out this baby was breech? Why have they changed?
These are important things to consider as you head into the homestretch of your pregnancy. Remember that a normal pregnancy can be as long as 42-43 weeks. That means that, if you elect a c-section at 37 weeks, without evidence of labor, you could be forcing your baby to be delivered a full 5-6 weeks premature. This can cause problems with breathing, regulating body temperature, feeding, swallowing, heart valves, intestines, muscle development, vision development...Think of all the problems that a preemie can have. Are you willing to cause them intentionally?
