Hi KLH, you can have a c sec after things have started happening. I am going to have a vbac fingers crossed this time around, but will need to be in a main hospital that can do a c sec if need be.
Some people want to do a "trial labour" and see how things go- that way you know the bubs is ready to come out.
When I had my csec 3 years ago they liked to book it in a week before EDD, not sure if this has changed in the mean time.
Think things depend on your circumstances and your reasons for having a csec