A new study gives some info to chew on for mothers-to-be re: scheduling c-sections. I'd say it was quite surprising.
Ok, so I've mentioned how my last 5 children's births were induced, right? Heck, one could argue all 7 had some "unnatural" intervention. My first -- I went in with very mild pains, but I was 39 weeks along so they broke my water bag and then things took off on their own.
With my second, my waterbag broke 10 days early, and with little progress I was given pitocin without an epidural. Worst. Pain. Ever. Definitely not the plan.
The twins were the first conscious decision to go in prior to any sign of natural labor. Again, I was 39 weeks and big as two houses. It went so well, that with my three subsequent pregnancies (again 39 weeks and gi-normous each time) I convinced my doctor to induce.
Ok, so it all went fine for me, and there were no c-sections, and no complications. Looking back, I would have done the same, because they were 39 weeks along, but here's what this study found that moms considering an earlier delivery should consider:
Performing repeat elective c-sections at 37 weeks gestation nearly doubles the chance of any complication, and causes four times more cases of respiratory distress. The actual percentages of any complication: a 15 percent chance versus an 8 percent chance. So not a huge number, but I'd say worthy of taking into consideration.
Even at 38 weeks there was a 50% greater chance of a problem, and even a few days more saw a 20% increase. Most of the complications were not life-threatening, but many involved testing and treatment and a longer hospital stay, and sometimes a trip to intensive care.
So whereas I can relate to "I am so over being pregnant" and wanting to deliver when certain loved ones are in town, it really seems to be worth giving your little one those extra days to minimize the risk.
Because let's not forget, it is all about them -- giving them the best start in life.
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