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

We are hoping to ask our Obs if we can have our CS at 38 weeks, but I think he will be encouraging us to wait till 39 weeks. I think this is because of the higher risk that CS babies have of RDS "respiratory disorders" let alone CS babies arriving at 38 weeks, which apparently increases the risk more.

We were told that bump was measuring above average at his 28 weeks scan and estimated then to be about 2 weeks ahead. But I guess I just wanted to know what are the real risks of him having these respiratory problems if he arrives a week earlier at 38 weeks? Any experiences of this from ladies?

My bub was born around the 38 week mark (they changed the EDD that many times in the end I couldn't quite work it out) BUT she was a picture of health. I wanted to wait an extra week until she was past 39 weeks, but I didn't want to risk going into labour and then having the CS in the 'emergency' and not the 'elective' way. In the end I suspect I was having pre-labour on the morning before I went into surgery so it turns out this was probably a very good decision.

I'm always inclined to leave them in there as long as possible. I doubt it matters how big the baby is, he isn't more developed due to his size, it's the gestation period that counts.

If you trust this OB to get bubs out for you, I'd also trust his opinion that 39 weeks is safer.

Yeah thats what I am thinking now. I do trust him and only want what is best for my son. If the extra week is better for him then so be it. Thanks.

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.

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

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

DS was delivered at 37 weeks and had RDS and spent a week in Special care nursery under Oxygen... not fun for either of us, may be worth waiting the extra week?

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

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