what's the chances of bub getting RDS at 38 weeks?

[Tobily]

The babies size at birth doesn't have any bearing on lung development - which is why it's wise to wait as long as possible.

Lung development is one of the last things to be "finished off" - so what matters is when the baby would have been born if left to start to labour on it's own, which of course we can never know.

A 6lb baby born by elective at 38 weeks, who would have been born that week anyway may have no problems breathing - and a 9lb baby born by elective at 38 weeks who wouldn't have come until 42 weeks may have RDS.

Definitely best to leave them as long as possible. Every day counts at the end - not only for their lungs but but other systems as well.

[puppies]

Tobily,
That makes perfect sense and I don't know why it hadn't occurred to me sooner. Man I feel stupid. Dr said he would prefer to wait till 39 weeks when we saw him last so I am sure he will be of the same opinion come Thursday when we see him. Based on that I will start getting my head around that and if bump decides to come sooner than I guess it can only mean that he is ready and at least I will get to feel what its like to go into labour naturally. Either way what is most important is bumps health and safety.

Thanks

[nickers]

just wanted to wish you all the best!
I have had 2 c/s
one at 33wks and bubs lungs were under developed breathing assistance needed
one at 38wks and bubs lungs were fully developed no help needed

even if 39wk was better than 38wks at 38 u are still classed as full term( after 37wks) and most babies lungs would be perfectly fine at 38,39,40+ weeks

[*Belle*]

I had emergency c/s with Julia at 41 weeks and no RDS
I had elective c/s with Tara at 39 weeks recently and no RDS

goodluck hope it all goes well xxx

[Danni]

I had c/s with DS at 37+5w and he had RDS. he had a LOT of trouble breathing.