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Childbirth/repeat c-section

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Expert: - 1/11/2009


Question
I am pregnant with my 2rd baby. My first one was a girl. She is 18 months. I had a c-section with her because I was in labor for 42 hours. She weighed 8lbs 10ozs. I am now 19 weeks pregnant with a boy. I am due June 9th and I am planning on a repeat c-section. My question is since there is 40 weeks in a pregnancy, do the schedual repeat c-sections before 40 weeks or sooner. If sooner, how many weeks?
Thanks,
Ashley

Answer
Ashley,

The repeat c-section should be scheduled as close to 40 weeks as possible for the best outcomes for the baby.  There is a host of new research showing that c-section is best performed after 39 weeks.


In your case, it will depend on your individual factors, but you should delay it as long as you can to prevent complications with the baby in terms of respiratory and overall development.


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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