taking steroids for early induction? need advice!!

gigi_rafael

So I just came back from the perinatologist and I have to decide in one month if i want to go through with an early induction around 36 wks. for this to happen I will have to be on steroids to be sure the babies lungs are mature enough (also have an amnio- ugh!)

The reason- because I lost my last pregnancy at 39 wks, it is not really known why but they speculate an infection was present. My dr. is in favor of inducing early this time to not run any risk of something happen late in the pregnancy, also to ease the psychological effect this has had on me- the last trimester is going to be tough.

Just wondering if anyone is being induced early or is taking steroids...I'd love your input. For me this is another thing to worry about- I'm not really in favor of taking any meds period or getting this amnio. I'm totally confused at this point.....

mhop

I was given the steroid shots when my last pregnancy was obviously going to end early.  My understanding is that there are very few risks to the shots and my daughter's lungs did very well thanks to the steroids.  I'd ask your peri to outline the risks of the shots and amnio clearly for you so can make an informed decision...

bump54321

I had two steroid shots last week at 25 weeks.  This was to help mature the baby's lungs since I've been having high bp and my doctor is afraid she'll have to deliver the baby early.  I really trust my OB and don't think she would give me anything unnecessary or anything that would harm my baby if the risk to the baby was greater than the risk to my health or the baby's health.  So my two cents are:  trust your doctor; they know best.

bump54321

mhop:

I was given the steroid shots when my last pregnancy was obviously going to end early.  My understanding is that there are very few risks to the shots and my daughter's lungs did very well thanks to the steroids.  I'd ask your peri to outline the risks of the shots and amnio clearly for you so can make an informed decision...

 

And this! 

pumpkinwife07

I was given steriod shots at 33 weeks because of PIH. At 36w2d, I had an amnio (it's not fun, but not bad either). I was induced at 36w4d and DD was born perfectly healthy with a great set of lungs at 36w6d.

pumpkinwife07

... and to add... I would have done it again in a heartbeat. Not even a week after DD was born, I was back in the hospital with Pre-e. I felt better about it (it sucked) knowing DD was out and safe lying in my arms. It's scary, but it'll be fine.

justblessed

I am a fan of the steroid shot 1) because my sister had PTL beginning about week 24 and it lasted througout. She was in and out of L & D and had to have the shot just in case. She went full term but it was nice to know she had had the shot. Her baby is doing great and is actually advanced for his age. 2) My doctor said at my last appointment that he had a patient recently that came in in labor at 31 weeks. They gave her the shot and 12 hours later her baby was born with no need for any NICU time. I know it wasn't just the shot but I am sure it helped. If you trust your doctor, I would follow his/her recommendations.

MrsSmith81

I had PTL with DS so I was given the shots at 29wk. He was born at 36wk and had to go to special care for observation for 3 hours on room air but ended up doing great. I'm a big fan of the steriods and will certainly be on board for them again this time if needed.

AFwife1106

You want the shots.  LO was born at 29 weeks and was on a vent for 6 hours.. she would have been on a ventilator for weeks if it wasn't for the steroid shots.  They told me there aren't any significant risks, but obviously my situation was more severe.. (ruptured at 27 weeks)  They would have induced me at 34 weeks if I had made it that far.