Why are C-sections done at 39 weeks?

The draft National Core Maternity Indicator 18 – 'Caesarean sections <39 completed weeks (273 days) without obstetric or medical indication' – was created to benchmark practice and to reduce neonatal respiratory morbidity by minimising early birth.

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Why do they Schedule c-section 39 weeks?

Babies born early (called premature babies) may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born on time. This is why it's important to wait until at least 39 weeks for a scheduled c-section.

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Is 39 weeks too early for c-section?

You will usually have a planned c-section at 39 weeks of pregnancy. The aim is to do the c-section before you go into labour. Babies born earlier than 39 weeks are more likely to need help with their breathing. Sometimes there's a medical reason for delivering the baby earlier than this.

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Which week is best for cesarean delivery?

For women with 1 previous cesarean delivery, it is generally agreed that the optimal timing of delivery by elective cesarean delivery is during the 39th week of gestation, whereas for women with ≥2 previous cesarean deliveries, the optimal delivery time remains debatable.

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Is 38 weeks OK for c-section?

Caesarean sections should ideally be performed as near the due date as possible to avoid complications. But a new study shows that there is no significant difference between performing an elective Caesarean section in week 38 and 39. In some cases it may actually be better to get it done a little earlier.

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Women having repeat elective C-sections warned to wait until 39 weeks

17 related questions found

How early is a planned C-section done?

Planned caesareans are usually done from the 39th week of pregnancy. A caesarean may be carried out because: your baby is in the breech position (feet first) and your doctor or midwife has been unable to turn them by applying gentle pressure to your tummy, or you'd prefer they did not try this.

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Why do doctors push C sections?

In some situations, a C-section is not only preferable but mandatory—situations involving conditions like placenta previa, in which going into labor would precipitate life-threatening hemorrhaging, or cord prolapse, which can cause the death of a baby if a C-section is not performed in a manner of minutes.

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What takes longer C-section or natural birth?

It usually takes longer to recover from a c-section than a vaginal birth, even if the birth was straightforward. It's important to give your body time to recover before you start trying to get pregnant again.

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What time of day are most C-sections performed?

Cesarean deliveries with no trial of labor were much more concentrated during the day, especially around 8 a.m. "This makes sense, as C-sections are usually scheduled during the daytime hours and wouldn't be scheduled overnight or into the early hours of the morning," says Jennifer Wu, MD, obstetrician/gynecologist at ...

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Why can't you drive after C-section?

Why you need to wait. The concern regarding having a C-section and driving too soon centers around your physical capabilities and the risks associated with being under the influence of pain medication. A C-section is a major surgery, which means it comes with serious risks and aftereffects during the recovery period.

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Is it OK to deliver at 39 weeks?

Babies are “due” after 40 weeks of gestation, but evidence suggests that infant mortality and complications are lowest for those delivered at 39 weeks, when a fetus is considered full term. Some obstetricians have recommended inducing labor at 39 weeks to reduce the risk of complications.

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How long will doctors let you labor before C-section?

-If women aren't too tired, allow them to push at least two hours if they have delivered before, three hours if it's their first baby. They may push longer if they had an epidural as long as the doctor can see progress.

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How long do you stay in hospital after C-section?

The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.

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Why are C-sections scheduled a week before due date?

If for any reason your doctor wants to avoid labor, the c-section may be scheduled earlier if it is deemed safe to do so. Whatever the scenario, it is important to delay the procedure long enough so that the baby's lungs and other vital organs are more able to function independently at birth.

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What is the 39 week rule in obstetrics?

The 39-week rule means that a pregnant woman who has an identifiable risk factor for stillbirth but who does not have an accepted “indication” for labor induction has no choice but to wait until at least 39 weeks 0 days before she can be delivered.

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Why are C-sections performed while awake?

You won't feel any pain during the C-section, although you may feel sensations like pulling and pressure. Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia (an epidural and/or a spinal block) during a C-section. That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born.

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What happens the first 24 hours after C-section?

After C-Section: The First 24-48 Hours

Again, you've just had major surgery, so fatigue and pain are to be expected. Many women also report experiencing nausea for the first few hours. Depending on the composition of your epidural, you may have some itching.

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How long does a whole C-section take?

The typical C-section takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. After your provider delivers your baby, they'll stitch your uterus and close the incision in your abdomen. Different types of emergencies can arise during a delivery.

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Are you asleep for scheduled C-section?

A C-section requires anesthesia and you may be given general anesthesia, a spinal block, or an epidural block. General anesthesia will put you to sleep, so you will not be awake during the procedure. The other two methods numb the lower half of the body and you will be conscious during the procedure.

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Can I go back to work 3 weeks after C-section?

After a C-section, she recommends women take eight weeks off and to avoid heavy activity to prevent complications.

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How should I sleep after C-section?

The classic back sleeping position

While back sleeping isn't recommended once you're more than 20 weeks pregnant, this position is recommended for those recovering from surgery. It places the least amount of strain and pressure on your incision site and ensures that your body is aligned in a neutral position.

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How long does it hurt to pee after C-section?

Painful urination after a C-section

That has to do with the fact that C-sections almost always include having a catheter placed, which can cause soreness and pee pain for a day or two. If you spent time pushing before having your C-section, that can cause the same temporary symptoms too.

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Why do they not put you to sleep for C-section?

Under most circumstances, undergoing a c-section via Spinal Anesthesia or Epidural Anesthesia (rather than General Anesthesia) is preferred since it involves less risk and has the advantage of allowing you to be awake during your baby's birth.

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Why can't you watch your C-section?

In a typical C-section, a drape is set up to provide a sterile operating field, meaning you can't see your baby being born. In a “gentle C-section,” we offer the option of using a clear drape or a drape that has a clear window, allowing you to get that first glance of your baby.

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What is the most common reason for a woman to have a C-section?

Labor that isn't progressing (labor dystocia) is one of the most common reasons for a C-section. Issues with labor progression include prolonged first stage (prolonged dilation or opening of the cervix) or prolonged second stage (prolonged time of pushing after complete cervical dilation).

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