lung development shot series

OrganicTeacher · February 2012

So... how many of you have had the betamethosone shot series? (the two shots in 24 hours for lung development?) I went into L&D today, am now on bedrest , and am starting to freak out a little bit now that I am reading the side effects of it all. I know that it is for his health - but I really hate taking medicines, especially when it is just - out of nowhere meds - basically my dr looked at me in L&D today and said - no more - you are now on bedrest - your BP is just too high and just in case we have to have the baby today - we are giving you these shots. So - my bp finally went down some and I am home, but just overwhelmed, and I can't get my mind off of this shot.

Sorry for just jumping on the board - but I am just trying to wrap my head around all this. Ugh.

appylovee · February 2012

Im not really sure what your question is, but I had the shot series. IT gave me horrible mood swings for a couple days, insomnia and my crohns has been acting up since. I would gladly go through all those again, and may need the shots again later on, it just means my baby has greater chances of survival. Im on modified bedrest. I would do anything to give my baby boy every chance he deserves to survive. Since being on bedrest and the shots, my baby is actually moving, taking practice breaths like a champ and the fluid is slowly increasing. drs give you medicines when they think to pros of taking it outweigh the side effects. Im sure you would rather be on bedrest and deal with some side effects, then have to give birth to a baby whose lungs are not mature.

PregsterDD · February 2012

Where are you reading about these side effects? I work in L+D and the pamphlet we give patients say that the only side effect is that is can increase your blood glucose for 48 hours which isn't a big deal unless you are diabetic. The only other risk would be an infection at the injection site which could happen with any shot or IV.

kccq9 · February 2012

I had the 2 shots in 24 hours when I was first put on bed rest. I really didn't have any side effects afterwards besides feeling sore where they gave me the shot. I agree with pp--it's all for my baby boy and whatever increases his chances for breathing on his own when he does make his appearance is worth it in my book.

snoangel79 · February 2012

What are you reading about the shots? I wish my doctors would give them to me (I am having my twins no later than 37w, in two days my window will be gone for them though as they don't give past 34w) but now since my BP is going up it may be earlier also. When I posted on the multiples moms about possibly going earlier than thought everyone keeps telling me get the shots... I read a study that caucasian males seem to have the "worst outlook" with breathing compared to all girls and minority boys. Also, this girl replied to me with a son that had RDS and was born at 34w with no steroids scaring the sh*t out of me... I myself have a bum lung and I cannot imagine my children having to face this... Was it something about autism? I think that may have been the only thing I read that people were questioning, not sure though...

My sister had the shots at 28w after my mom went into labor (they kept her in the trundle position for almost 48 hours then delivered my sister). My sister has "no assistance" after the first day!! I know this is probably odd for a 28 weeker but it had to be the shots! She came home after 8w was a feeder/grower in the NICU. She is 100% fine today btw... I hope LO stays in for a few weeks longer!!

sweetpea2003 · February 2012

I had them with both pregnancies at about 30 weeks.

The side effects are very minimal. Any time you read Dr. Google about ANY drug you will be inundated with possible side effects. But with betamethazone, the rewards waaaaaaaay outweigh the risk IMVHO.

I am so thankful for those shots because they are what kept my daughter out of the NICU most likely. She was born right at that line where some babies do okay and others have distress (35w4d) and she was able to room with me and go home with me. No NICU time. No separation from me, loud machines, ventilator, other drugs to help her lungs, etc.

When you are at high risk to deliver a preemie I think it is incredibly important to get those shots.

kthappy76 · February 2012

Got them @32 weeks based on my OB's reco (I was on strict BR after a rescue cerclage) and wouldn't think of skipping them. My babies came nearly four weeks early breathing perfectly and needed zero NICU time. Worrying about the babies coming early is stressful, but try not to get hung up on things like this that are designed to help. GL!

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