Being Pregnant
Cesarean Respiratory Distress Link
photo credit : flickr.com/bradleyolin
The more I continue to research delivery options for my third child, the more concern I have that maybe this baby will not truly be ready for delivery when the 39 week gestation mark rolls around.
I have read a lot about a serious link between respiratory distress, and scheduled cesareans, especially before 38-39 weeks gestation, and personally knowing the inaccuracy in due dates this worries me.
In 2009, a major suggestion went out to hospitals Nationwide discouraging any elective cesarean deliveries for after 39 weeks gestation because of the possible risk of complications, especially if there are no medical factors for the cesarean delivery.
According to a 2007 study I came across during this journey, I learned that a babies born by cesarean section before the 39th week of pregnancy again assuming that your due date is correct have a three to four fold increase for breathing trouble over a baby born by an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, and Elective C-section babies also have a fivefold higher risk of needing mechanical breathing assistance for serious respiratory trouble.
No matter how I slice it at this point, because of my history this is certainly a medical necessary cesarean, but medically will be classified as elective because there is no emergent situation at the time of delivery hopefully.
All of this information I found came from Anne Kirkeby Hansen, MD, and colleagues at Denmark’s Aarhus University Hospital. Who studied this in depth.
“Mothers who choose elective cesarean section should be aware that the risk of respiratory problems is four times raised at 37 weeks’ gestation vs. full-term, intended vaginal delivery,” Kirkeby Hansen tells WebMD. “The rate of respiratory problems is 10% for elective C-section at 37 weeks, but it is 2.8% for intended vaginal deliveries. That is why we say you should never do elective cesarean section at 37 weeks.”
More interesting information I was able to pull out of the article I was reading.
As a mother, I just worry, and I worry a lot. It took me so long to get to the decision I have already had to make through an ocean of emotions, and knowing all the risk factors breaks my heart. I have already had one child that spent the first day of his life in the NICU, and I will do anything to not have to go through that again. It is something I would never wish on any parent, and anyone like me who has been in those scary shoes would agree.
I will do anything at this point to avoid a scheduled delivery as long as I possibly can.
Go Back To Being Pregnant
5 Comments
Jennifer commented on Oct 27 10 at 10:42 amWould your medical issues prevent you from waiting until labor starts spontaneously, then heading to the hospital? It does mean taking the chance that your Dr won’t do the surgery… Or wait until 40 weeks, which does mean labor could start before the scheduled date?
Danielle625 commented on Oct 27 10 at 11:15 amI honestly think already, labor will start before my scheduled surgery around 39 weeks given my history with my other children.
Although if that does happen I have a bunch of problems that could turn my birth plan for a positive experience into a third emergency
situation that I am trying to prevent at all costs. My Doctor may not be available, my midwife acting as my doula may not be available,
etc. Because of the need for it to be a positive experience, the planning is instrumental.My biggest worry is not being able to have my midwife there with me.
Katie H. commented on Apr 05 12 at 4:01 amThat’s so scary. My son was born by C-Section at 37 weeks due to my water breaking and him being breech. I was at a very small military hospital with only 3 OB’s and none of them had been trained in a breech birth so it was the only option. He did beautifully tho and now at 3 years is perfectly healthy. It’s just scary to think of what could have happened. I am 36 weeks with my second now and I really hope this one holds off til her due date!
Kathryn commented on Apr 12 12 at 9:04 amThanks for writing this!
I had cholestasis and was told I needed to deliver at 36 weeks and that if I wanted to wait any later (even just a week, according to my perinatalogist) the risk for having a stillborn increase a ridiculous mount. I had a c-section because I have serious back problems and everyone was afraid I would hurt my back even worse trying to naturally birth my son.
My boyfriend followed him to the newborn nursery and realized he was making a strange noise while breathing. He asked the nurses and they said he was okay. They finally brought him to me and the nurse said she would be back to help me start breastfeeding. Another nurse came by to assist, heard him breathing funny and said she needed to take him. I was devastated and told her about my boyfriends conversation, she seemed pretty angry about that. I was still bed ridden but they sent him to the NICU because he ha fluid in his lungs. I felt so guilty for semi-arguing with the nurse. I didn’t get to see my baby, other than the quick post-clean-up in the OR, until hours after he was born and then it was only 20 or so minutes until he was wisked away. Then, the stupid nurse I had told me it was “too much work” for her to take me to see my son because I was still bedridden.
Anyway, what I’m getting at, is that I feel incredible guilt over having him early, having a c-section and everything else.. Even eleven months and a very healthy and strong LO later, it still makes me want to cry my eyes out. Although I know I will have to have another c-section with any more children, I am hopefully going to be able to wait as long as possible to do it.
arenda commented on Apr 27 12 at 8:09 amI had gestational diabetes…they threatened me all through my pregn ancy they would induce me the day after my due date if I didn’t go in labor myself..I refused to be induced with pitosin…the due date came and went..all of a sudden they were like…hey if you want to wait that is fine or if you want to be induced just let us know??? It was just weird! I am not a tall woman and 5 days past my due date..I knew my son was getting really big. I submitted to being induced because I was so tired and afraid he would be too big to deliver for me. We went to the hospital andf because I refused the pitosin they tried in more friendly ways to induce me..to no avail..18 hours later i was still not in active labor. They decided that a C-section was the only other option because when they did want to do pitosin and I finlly said yes they discovered that my son was not moving enough in the womb (through ultrasound) and pitosin would be dangerous. While talking to the doctor about the process of C-section, my sons heartrate dropped and they rushed me into the OR for an emergency C-section. My son was born 8 lbs 11 oz and a sturdy boy at that. He was ok but one day later rushed into the NICU because he had fluids in his lungs..it took 3 more days before he was released. It was all very overwhelming, but the knowledge that he is alive and healthy is what I am focussing on and we are very grateful that he is with us!
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