Hi,
I have a c-section planned for tomorrow at 38 and a half weeks. I am all of a sudden freaking that this is just too early. Has anyone had experience with this. Also worried because I just have not gained much weight this pregnancy. The baby was weighing in at 5 lbs two weeks ago in a sonogram.
Thank you
My twins were born at 37 weeks. Each weighed exactly 5 lbs and were perfectly healthy, beautiful babies.
I only gained 16 lbs throughout the whole pregnancy. Which actually means I lost weight, because the babies together were 10 lbs and the water etc was at least another 10-15 lbs (according to my doctor). When I got pregnant I weighted 128 lbs and the day after having the twins I only weighted 116 lbs!
my son was born via c section at 31 weeks and after a bit in the nicu for other issues he is now a healthy 4 year old! 38 weeks is considered full term
My son came at 35 weeks, thought I was planned for a c-section at 39. I was nervous, but relieved that he was absolutely fine. He was 5lbs11oz. I gained about 25 pounds. Your baby will be fine, I wholeheartedly believe that.
Congratulations! You and the baby will be fine. 38.5 weeks is basically full-term. I had a c-section and everything was good. Just make sure hubby or someone helps out a lot for the first two weeks as you'll be pretty tired. But the baby is considered full-term at this point, so I'm sure the little one will be good.
Good luck with everything!
-M.
My doctor told me the nys law was that they can't do a planned c section ealier than 39 weeks.. My first 6 years ago was at 38 weeks and I believe my 2nd was 38/39 weeks. My one month old now was 39 weeks all planned c sections. your baby can weigh agood 7lbs.. your doctor knows best... good luck!!
Personally, unless you have a compelling medical reason to deliver early, I wouldn't. I was induced at 40 weeks (medical reason) and my baby ended up in the NICU for breathing difficulties. We were told that the reason was basically that she "wasn't ready for the world just yet," like she was supposed to stay in there another week or two. Just because a baby is technically full term doesn't mean the baby is ready to be born. I don't say that to scare you, just to give you a reason to wait if you can. Obviously, if you have a medical reason -- complete previa, pre-eclampsia, etc. -- it's definitely best to go ahead and do it now. I just think it's best to wait until the baby comes on its own or at least closer to your due date (btw, the average first time mom who gives birth without being induced or having an early c-section delivers at 41 weeks 1 day!).
That being said, I'm sure your 38.5 weeker will be fine if you have the section now (my baby was! It just took a couple of more days of monitoring than normal to get her adjusted).
Ultrasound weight measurements are notoriously inaccurate. Your baby may be 6 lbs now (average gain of about 1/2 lb a week would make him/her about 6 lbs now) or 4 lbs or 8 lbs; I believe they're usually accurate within 2 lbs, which is a huge margin of error! I wouldn't worry too much about that.
Robin I had the same thing happen with my son. I learned a hard lesson, the ultrasounds are not accurate, as my son whom it said was tiny was 7 lbs. 2 oz. and 22 in. long and with my last son they told me he would be well over 8 lbs, he was only 6 lbs. 2 oz. and 19 in. long. The last one was born vaginally and planned due to having a circlauge at 20 weeks. I keep telling my doctor he would be early but he kept telling me I was wrong, only I was right, another week or 2 would have made him at 38 weeks. As for the weight gain, that is not what determines the side of the baby, I didn't gain much, only 20 lbs., with my first one (3rd child actually) and he was large and the last one (5th child) I gained almost 40 lbs and he was tiny. All I can say is you have to have faith in your doctor or you should find another one like I did. I love my current ob/gyn and wouldn't trade him for anyone in the world.
I had my 22 month old at 37 weeks. He wasn't growing and weighed 4.9lbs at birth. He spent 3 days in the step down nursery. He is healthy and thriving now. You would never have known he was such a little peanut. He's on the 40th%ile for height. They found out after he was born that my placenta didn't grow and had blood clots, reasons unknown. As long as there hasn't been any concern with the doctor on growth I wouldn't worry so much. You are far enough along to have a big and healthy baby. Plus you said 2 weeks ago the baby was weighing 5 lbs. The baby could have gained 2 lbs by now. And the weight is only a guess with the ultrasounds. If it's your first pregnancy, you may not have gained much weight anyway. I gained 35 lbs with my 22 month old and my current pregnancy, which I am having my c-section next week. Good luck to you.
I know this is a little late, but I had a c-section and just thought I would add a few tips. Don't expect to feel back to "normal" for at least 6 months...it took me closer to a year. Don't overdo it too soon. I think this is why it took me so long to feel normal again. Gold Bond Powder or generic version works wonders on redness of scar area after initially healed...especially protects from infections during hot summer months. Try to wear pants that will hold up your belly (even if it is a little uncomfortable)...trust me, you will be thankful later.
Hope everything went well and take care.
You don't mention why you are having a planned cesarean, however, there are newish (the past 1-2 years) recommendations for not doing non-emergency planned cesareans before 39 weeks, because even at 38 weeks, there is enough of an increase in respiratory complications for the baby to make the medical authorities suggest waiting. Keep in mind that ultrasound weight estimates are just that, estimates. Could be close, could be a half pound or sometimes even a pound off. If at 36 weeks, your baby was 5 or 5 1/2 pounds, at 40 weeks, he should be 7 to 7 1/2 because babies gain about a half pound per week starting at 36 weeks. 7 to 7 1/2 pounds is normal - the average baby, not small. Good luck
Hi Robin. I've never had a C-section so I can't comment on that. However about it being too early- my first child was born when I was 36 1/2 weeks pregnant and I also at the time thought he was coming too early. I am happy to say he was born a very healthy, almost 7 pounds, baby. I'm sure you're baby will be fine. Congratulations and best of luck!
