Many families choose a C-section for various reasons, whether for convenience, safety, or even auspicious timing. Can you have a C-Section at 37 weeks? This is one of the most frequently asked questions. In this article, we explain can you have a C-Section at 37 weeks, why waiting just 1–2 more weeks can make a significant difference for a baby’s health, and share insights from both Thai doctors and international guidelines.
Is 37 weeks really considered “full term”?
According to standard medical definitions:
- Early term: 37 weeks – 38 weeks 6 days
- Full term: 39 weeks – 40 weeks 6 days
It may seem that 37 weeks is already “full term,” but in practice, babies born during the early term period are at a higher risk of respiratory complications compared with those born at full term. This is why many hospitals schedule elective C-sections at 39 weeks—to ensure the baby’s lungs and other systems are fully ready.
Why Schedule a C-Section at 39 Weeks or Later?
1. Reduces the Risk of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)
Babies delivered via C-section without going through the birth canal miss the natural chest compression that helps expel fluid from the lungs. This increases the risk of wet lungs and rapid breathing, often requiring oxygen support and closer monitoring in the neonatal unit.
2. Medical Evidence Supports It
- A 2021 study found that babies born via C-section are three times more likely to develop TTN than those born vaginally.
- The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2021) recommends scheduling elective C-sections at 39 weeks or later if there are no medical indications to deliver earlier.
- Thailand’s Department of Health also emphasizes that elective C-sections should be after 39 weeks for the baby’s safety.
3. Safety for Both Mother and Baby
Waiting until 39 weeks allows the baby to develop better lung function and reduces the likelihood of NICU admission, while giving the mother appropriate preparation time.
What About Elective C-Sections at 37 Weeks?
Dr. Panadda Banyongviriyachot (Obstetrician, Chularat 3 International Hospital) explains:
Current standards for elective C-sections—when labor hasn’t started—are typically 38–39 weeks (many hospitals schedule at 39 weeks). Babies delivered this way do not experience the natural chest compression from vaginal birth that helps expel lung fluid, increasing the risk of TTN and the need for oxygen support or closer monitoring compared to vaginally delivered infants.
Therefore, if a mother wishes to request a C-section at 37 weeks, she should consult her obstetrician directly, as 37 weeks is considered early compared with the standard 38–39 week elective schedule.
This aligns with international recommendations: Planned/elective C-sections should be done at ≥39 weeks to reduce breathing problems and NICU admissions, unless there is a medical reason to deliver earlier, such as:
- Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
- Placenta previa or placenta accreta
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Abnormal fetal growth
- Premature rupture of membranes
In such cases, a doctor may decide to perform a C-section at 37–38 weeks because the benefits of early delivery outweigh the risks.
Q&A: Questions Expectant Mothers Often Ask
Q1: My baby already weighs over 3,000 grams. Can I have a C-section at 37 weeks?
In general, baby’s weight is not the main criterion. The timing of a scheduled C-section depends on lung maturity and reducing the risk of complications, which usually requires a gestational age of ≥39 weeks.
Q2: What if I go into labor naturally at 37–38 weeks? Can I still wait?
If labor starts naturally or your water breaks, the doctor will assess immediately. There’s no need to wait until 39 weeks.
Q3: Can I choose an auspicious birth date at 37–38 weeks?
Doctors do not recommend this, because the baby’s safety is the top priority. If there’s no medical indication, it’s best to wait until 39 weeks.
Summary: Can you have a C-section at 37 weeks?
Can you have a C-Section at 37 weeks? It’s only done if there is a medical reason. For elective C-sections without labor, both Philippines and international guidelines recommend 39 weeks or later. Can you have a C-Section at 37 weeks? Waiting just 1–2 more weeks helps reduce the risk of breathing problems and gives your baby a stronger, healthier start in life.
Originally published on theAsianparent Thailand