I was wondering if any of you ladies had thoughts on whether it is better to wait for early labor to start before going in for the c-section, or have it scheduled in advance. I ask not just because I think it weird to "choose" my baby's birthdate, but rather because I wonder if it's better for the baby if I wait until it is ready to be born. Any thoughts? Is there risks to waiting for labor to start?
Thanks,
Katy

Life really is like a box of chocolates...sometimes you get coconut...I hate coconut!
UC 1992
Pouch 1994

The risk of waiting for labor to start is you don't know how long your labor will be...you could end up with an emergency c-section. My dr basically told me that since I knew I wanted a c-section, he would prefer I not go into labor. Therefore we scheduled the c-section for about 2 weeks before my due date. However, 2 weeks before that I had a thorough check up where the dr checked the baby's lung development to be sure an early delivery was safe. I would schedule it, but you should discuss your concerns with your dr.

I agree with Jill on this. If you are positive you want a c-section it is safer to schedule it because you could have a very quick labor. Although, I scheduled a c-section two weeks before my due date with my first and my water broke one week before that, so I guess you never know! I didn't go into active labor though and delivered via c-section later that day (after my doctor was done with his office appointments). I am now pregnant with my second and I am going to schedule a c-section with this one as well.

Good luck!

My OB let me schedule my c-section for 1 week before my due date and not a day before...and this was after constant reminders that I wanted it schedulled. My baby came two weeks before the planned date. So I got the best of both worlds, a shortened pregnancy, a pain-free labor, and knowing that the baby was ready to come when we had it.Definately try and schedule it but not to far before your actual due date because you want the baby in as long as possible to develop.

I haven't had children yet but I started with a specialist Ob/Gyn who works with my j-pouch surgeon.
At my visit, we spoke about the future and child birth. Their theory was it is always better to play it safe. As long as your baby is developed, scheduling the C-section is best because everyone is prepared and in the hospital.