QuestionI will be 37 wks this Wed and my perintalogist has scheduled me for an amnio tomorrow to ascertain whether my baby's lungs are developed in order to have a c section which they have scheduled for Wed. They have told me that if her lungs are not ready they will wait until next Wed my 38th week and just take her out then. My question is why cant i just wait until next week when i am 38 weeks along and have a c section. I understand i have a significant amount of amniotic fluid as well as the baby has hydrocephalus but i have been very closely monitored throughout my pregnancy is there a higher risk to wait the extra week to 38 weeks for the c section.
AnswerHello,
I am so sorry I couldn't reply to this sooner. Your amnio appointment is today and I hope all goes well with that.
Based on the information you gave me, it sounds like the risks involved may outweigh the benefits in waiting, unless the lungs are not mature. Lung maturity is extremely important to the well being of your child once outside the uterus.
The main issue with polyhydramnios is that it can cause labor to begin. Labor experiences vary, so it could happen quickly and become intense in a short time. In cases of hydrocephalus, this can be a problem when the head descends into the birth canal causing unwanted intracranial pressure, as there may already be pressure inside the head from the fluid build up. The size of the head from the hydrocephalus is also an issue if labor should start, because it may be too large to pass through the birth canal. The increased pressure from the polyhydramnios can cause the placenta to tear from the lining of the uterus, causing an abruption (bleeding out) and can lead to oxygen loss to your baby. There is increased risk for the umbilical cord to prolapse or present itself first before the head, and with the contractions can also cause oxygen loss to your baby. For reasons not entirely known, there has been an association between polyhydramnios and stillbirth.
So if the lungs are found to be mature, it may be better to take your baby then due to the risks involve with waiting. These are only risks and not to say they will happen if you do indeed wait, but if your baby is able to breath fine outside the womb, then taking the baby out at 37 weeks will rest assure that the chance of something going wrong will not happen.
I can definitely understand your questions and point of view, and if you have not already (at your appointment today) I would ask to speak with your doctor and let him/her know about your concerns and what is best for your child.
Best wishes and take care
