Steroid shots??

k&b51907

My monitoring nurse had asked me tonight if I have gotten steroid shots yet to help mature the babies lungs.  My dr hadn't mentioned it and I was wondering if it was standard with triplets to be given the shots as a "just in case" precaution. Anyone know?? I'm going to mention it Tuesday at my appointment.

kelliwill

I'd mention it at your appt.  I asked my Dr and she said they don't do it unless there is a reason.  When I was admitted to the hospital at 30 weeks for contractions they gave it to me.  I got one shot and then 12 hours later I got another.  I guess that's how it works?  If they are fearful that you will deliver soon or go into pre-term labor then maybe you should get them.

Temp6313048411121614

kelliwill:

I'd mention it at your appt.  I asked my Dr and she said they don't do it unless there is a reason.  When I was admitted to the hospital at 30 weeks for contractions they gave it to me.  I got one shot and then 12 hours later I got another.  I guess that's how it works?  If they are fearful that you will deliver soon or go into pre-term labor then maybe you should get them.

My OB doesn't do them unless you're in PTL (so I got one at 32w4d and then 24 hours later).  I asked why they're not standard procedure, I was told that they've done studies on sheep and have found that unnecessary and overexposure can lower IQ.  I believe the side effects are minimal, but his reasoning is why do it if it's not needed.  

pea-kay

i got them at 32 weeks when i was admitted to the hospital for pre-e. just a precaution. so glad i did, the boys never had any breathing support at all!

Jbauer

I'm carrying Twins and had this done about a month ago after going into the hospital for contractions and cramps.. I was about 30 weeks.?

Im now 34wks still going strong, not on Bedrest, on Procardia though.. Baby A is head down and is ready to come out but we'll see!

But yeah just talk about it with your doctor at your next appointment...?

Temp159135562506975

my OB told me they do not do shots for "just in case" because the timing of the shots vs. when you give birth matters a lot - so to give them if you aren't having PTL issues could mean they won't help at all if you go much longer into the pg.

Keepemcookin.com has great info on it - explains it very well.. the site is great all around- everyone on this board should read it all!

https://www.keepemcookin.com/prevention.aspx

 

ethansbride2b

I think it really depends on your doctor.  I recieved them at 23 weeks 5 days because I was admitted to the hospital for PTL.  They were ordered by my OB.  I know that my MFM does not give them as a precaution because I know a few triplet moms who have went to him. 

Temp159135562506975

If you are having any PTL symptoms you'll get them for sure--- but if not - they won't just give them as a precaution -- at least they shouldn't - b/c as I said before, they don't really work if they are not given a certain time before birth.

ahava2005

The cut off is 32 weeks.  At that point, the shots don't add anything.

They are only give before then if you are at risk of preterm labor.  If you didn't have that problem, you wouldn't get them.  Most people don't.

I was at risk of delivering at 24 weeks, so I got them. 

k&b51907

Thanks for all the responses.  The nurse had me confused when she asked me that last night.

RobynK

ahava2005:

The cut off is 32 weeks.  At that point, the shots don't add anything.

They are only give before then if you are at risk of preterm labor.  If you didn't have that problem, you wouldn't get them.  Most people don't.

I was at risk of delivering at 24 weeks, so I got them. 

I disagree -- I received mine during my 35th week.  The cutoff for your OB/MFM may be 32 weeks but mine was not.  I'm very thankful I had the shots (12 hours apart) because I delivered at 35w5d due to pre-e and my twins had no breathing isues.

ahava2005

Research shows little need post 32 weeks because the lungs are pretty well developed.  When you look at the data, the improvement is minimal, if anything, hence the risk/benefit ratio shows a slightly higher risk.

Not saying some doctors don't do it.  But if you follow research based medicine, it isn't necessarily the best option.