is 37 weeks unreasonable

[chellabean]

I am pregnant with faternal twin girls, there have been no complications and i am now 35 weeks. I have asked to have a c-cection as one baby A is breech and baby B is head down. I asked to be delivered in december at 37 weeks as long as the lungs are mature everything that i have read has indicated to me that 37 weeks is considered full term for twins however my  doctor has refused to c-cection untill 38 weeks i do not understand the medical reason for this refusal is this request unreasonable? I feel as though i have no control or say in when my babies are to be born and with a planed c-cection i thought that there was some room for negotiation as long as mother and babies are both healthy, i need some advice to pleed my case to my doctor what do you think.

[Yao Sun, MD, PhD]

The most current information on the risks of gestation age show that even up to 39-40 weeks, there are increased risks for problems including respiratory problems, jaundice, and even more serious problems (although at a much lower rate).  Each week earlier that an infant is born means that the risk for complications rises.

Although twins are generally born earlier, this does not mean that they are more mature at an earlier gestational age.  At any given gestational age, their risk for problems is actually higher than for a singleton pregnancy.

I'm sorry that I cannot help you plead your case, but I agree with your obstetrician that (all other factors being equal) a later delivery is better than an earlier one.

[peekawho]

I have to agree with the doctor here.  

Most planned inductions and C/Sections will not be scheduled prior to 38-39 weeks of gestation.