The difference between 38 and 39 weeks

[Jessiecat]

So I'm sure most of you know by now that I'm in hospital as baby is transverse and will be kept here until baby is delivered at 39 weeks.
I had the same thing happen with my son but they delivered at39+3.
With this baby I have also had the steroids and baby is a good size yet everyone is still saying 39 weeks.
Taking aside the fact that with c section recovery as well I could be looking nearly a month in hospital my main hardship is I have a little boy at home who is a complete mummy's boy and won't understand why I'm not there for him, it's a bloody long time in his little world!
I have also been crippled with SPD since 22 weeks and not been able to leave the house unles I was in a wheelchair. Crutches got me round the house ok but I couldn't even walk to the corner shop, I'm an otherwise healthy 26 year old and it's been so hard living like this in so much pain for so long!

I want to ask the consultant to consider delivering baby at 38 weeks, will someone please help me work out if this extra week will have major impact on baby ?
Can I also have your opinions on whether you 'd want the same if this was your family or whether you'd just want to stick it out another week? Thanks ladies x

 

[Nomad]

I don't see what difference it would make to baby to be delivered at 38 weeks. Baby is considered full term at 37 weeks. I've got a little girl and I'd feel exactly the same about being away from her for so long. Best of luck x

 

[littlemonkey]

I've had similar situation. I've opted for an elective section and been a date at 39 weeks. I assumed it would be earlier than this after hearing people having sections at 37/38 weeks. But generally if there are no medical complications they like to leave it as long as possible.

Although still considered term, there is believed to be an increased problem with babies having fluid on their lungs if born before 39 weeks by c-section. You would have to Google it and ask the doctors to explain it as I cannot remember exactly what it is, other than there is this issue.

I do empathise. I have a two year old son and I'm physically struggling to keep up with him. I worry about the effect it's having on him, and I am still at home, so at least can be there to do meals, bath and bed. My OH had to take him out on his own this weekend, I couldn't be on my feet any length of time and I feel like I've hardly spent any time with him and now he's going to the childminders in the week. Personally I would find it very difficult being in hospital at all away from them and I'm dreading the few nights I'll be there having the baby. But that's just me.

On the other hand, the hospital are doing everything they can to make sure this baby is as safe as possible. It is difficult, but it is probably for the best that you're there resting etc before baby arrives. It will probably be of benefit to your son in helping him adjust to not always having you there and might make the transition easier once you get home with baby.

But definitely speak to your doctor to explain why they're looking at 39 weeks. My mw went through it all at my vbac appointment.

 

[littlemonkey]

Most of the stuff I found on Google was American, no doubt lots of ladies having early c-sections over there. But here's a British article explaining why the guidance is actually to wait until 39 weeks for a c-section.

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/may/02/early-caesarean-baby-health-risk

 

[Jessiecat]

Thank you both for your replies and monkeynut the article was interesting thank you.

It's out me a bit in limbo now, surely the steroids I've had would counteract the risk of lungs not being ready this far on?

I just don't now what to do my little boy shouldn't have to go so long without his mummy but then my baby boy needs to stay in as long as possible. I feel like I'm bein made to choose between my 2 children

 

[caseysmummy11]

Jessie I completely understand what your saying. I said to my oh the other day it feels like we have divorced children and were being made to choose who we stay with. Either way we feel guilty. As you know I also had steroids and when lily was born at 33 weeks she cried and cleared her lungs and honestly had no problems with them. Her resps have always been perfect. She was a little mucousy at birth but the Dr's in theatre sorted it out within a minute or so and oh held her until she had to go to neonatal for review. But that was purely due to her gestation and weight hun. Xxx

 

[Rachyroo]

Ive been reading your posts Jessie and have been wondering for a while why they would suggest 39 weeks when they could do it earlier and baby still be full term. I would definitely raise it if I were you, a month is soo long to be in hospital if not absolutely necessary.

Sorry to hijack your thread, but can I ask at what point they became concerned about your baby's transverse position? My baby is also transverse and has been since the 20 week scan, am now 30+4 and nobody has really batted an eyelid or seems remotely concerned, so has been really surprising to see how seriously yours has been taken.

 

[Jessiecat]

Thanks Caseysmummy, reassuring to hear about Lily after your sections and how well she did with her breathing. It's horrible when you're torn between children though isn't it! I asked consultant this morning if she's consider 38 weeks but she had no interest
How would women cope without family available for childcare!

Rachyroo no one was concerned until 36 weeks, I was prepared because I knew what was coming but everyone else just kept saying he will turn, if it was my irat baby I might have believed them but I've done this before and don't believe it's coincidence that baby still transverse so late on when it's so rare.
Hopefully your baby will turn but as with me no one will pay any attention until 36 and then all of a sudden the whole world seems to go in to panic mode making sure I'm in hospital and being really careful wih me lol x

 

[Durhamchance]

Rachyroo, Ive suddenly found myself in the same position as Jessie. I was 36 weeks yesterday and they've admitted me this morning. I came to hospital with reduced movements they wouldn't even let me go home to pack some more things in my bag.

I'm interested to find out my section date now Jessie as I'm in the same boat. Already missing my little boy and thanking God that my MIL can look after him x

 

[Jessiecat]

Do you think they'll give you a section date? I can't get anyone here to commit to anything. I can see il get to 39 weeks and they'll jut come in and say " we'll section tomorrow"!

 

[Durhamchance]

To be honest I was just assuming they will I'll know more later this morning hopefully x

 

[Rachyroo]

Thanks both of you ladies and so sorry you are stuck there away from your little ones. I hope you both get some answers soon.

I am willing this baby to turn and doing all I can. I am finding transverse to be so uncomfy, my lower back is so sore, my bump is like a rock, his knees are constantly forcing outwards and he is so low down that walking for more than 15 mins is too much hard work!!