If a C-section is planned for personal reasons, experts recommend that it should be done at 39 weeks or later in the pregnancy.

When is an elective c-section performed?

You will usually have a planned c-section at 39 weeks of pregnancy. The aim is to do the c-section before you go into labour. Babies born earlier than 39 weeks are more likely to need help with their breathing. Sometimes there's a medical reason for delivering the baby earlier than this.

What Week Do doctors usually Schedule C sections?

Most scheduled C-sections occur at 39 weeks' gestation, Dr. Brimmage says. While a baby is considered full-term starting at 37 weeks and ready for life outside the womb, babies benefit from staying inside the womb until 39 weeks when possible.