Understanding Repeat Cesarean Sections: Timing and Planning

Question
Elizabeth 32, 1 child, LMP 12/07/05, +HPT this morning.

I will be having a repeat c-section this time around and would like to know in what week they are usually performed.  My first baby was over 9 lbs. and she was delivered by c-section 11 days before my due date.

Thanks,
Katherine Elizabeth

Answer
If you are planning on having a repeat cesarean section, we would like to  perform the surgery before you go into labor. For that reason, we usually will schedule the repeat cesarean section at around 38 weeks gestation. Even if the surgery is scheduled, if you do go into labor, the cesarean section will be performed as soon as you go into labor.  By 38 weeks, the baby's lungs will be mature enough.