Why Cesarean Sections Should Not Be Elective Before 39 Weeks

In the year 2009 we are seeing an increasing rise in elective cesarean section births, and a concerning trend that is going along with these deliveries.
Late Pre Term Births.
The March of Dimes says

"With any cesarean, it's important that the surgery be done at 39 completed weeks of pregnancy or later, unless there's a medical reason for delivering earlier. C-sections may contribute to the growing number of babies who are born “late preterm,” between 34 and 36 weeks gestation. While babies born at this time are usually considered healthy, they are more likely to have medical problems than babies born a few weeks later at full term"

Problems that can go along with a late, pre term birth can be respiratory distress, problems eating, issues maintaining body temperature, and jaundice. Some can be minor, but others can result in a NICU stay for your baby that can become longer than your recovery in the hospital. Not too many mothers take this into consideration, or even want to leave the hospital without their baby.
The problem in many cases is the inaccuracy in due dates. Ovulation can vary in women, cycles can be different, ultrasounds cannot accurately measure a fetus to the date of conception in any woman, which can result in turn, in a pre term birth with elective cesarean section.
"I am due on December 8th, but I am going in for my Cesarean on November 24th" but what if your due date was truly December 21st? Or December 18th? That could mean a drastic difference in your baby's development.

Also if you are planning on having more than one of two children, a cesarean by request for no medical reason should not be considered. With each pregnancy, the risk of placenta previa, placenta accreta, hysterectomy, blood transfusion, uterine rupture during pregnancy, and adhesion's to other major organs such as the bladder or bowel occur.

Think twice, research, and become fully educated before you make the decision for an elective cesarean section. It can mean your health, as well as the health and life long well being of your child.