WWYD re: 17P shots for preterm labor prevention

haleyusf · July 2014

Background: DS was born at 38 weeks (full term), but I started dilating at 31 weeks and was on strict bed rest from 31 to 36 weeks. I was 3cm dilated by 33weeks and hung out there for several weeks and was 4cm by 36 weeks. My old OB from pre-move wanted me on the 17P (progesterone) shots starting at 16 weeks with this pregnancy thru 36 weeks to prevent preterm labor and hopefully avoid bed rest again.

Fast-forward to my 16 week appt earlier in the month, and my new OB doesn't think it's necessary since I didn't actually deliver pre-term. He didn't think insurance would cover it, but put in for the authorization anyways just to see if they would. It looks like they will cover it, although it's $2000 out-of-pocket at the moment because I haven't met my deductible, but at least it's going towards the deductible which I would have met anyways with the delivery at the end of the year. Coverage is 100% after I meet my deductible. If the shots hadn't been covered, the OB's plan was just to start doing cervical checks at 28 weeks and then would put me on Procardia as treatment for preterm labor if I started to dilate.

Opinions: Would you start the shots anyways or would you go with the wait and see plan? The money will be spent no matter what, so that's not really an issue, and the only common side effects of the shots are the literal pain in the @$$.

megbmeg · July 2014

I'm sorry I have more questions than advice!

Would the shots possibly prevent the need for bed rest? Do they have any side effects/risks besides being not so
fun? Would you feel more comfortable/less nervous if you had the shots? If you didn't have te shots and there were complications would you obsess over it?

This is what I'd be thinking about when trying to decide. You could get a 2nd opinion if you think that would be useful, especially since your two OB's differ.

Good luck deciding! I suspect either way will work out well!!

haleyusf · July 2014

megbmeg said:

I'm sorry I have more questions than advice! Would the shots possibly prevent the need for bed rest? Do they have any side effects/risks besides being not so fun? Would you feel more comfortable/less nervous if you had the shots? If you didn't have te shots and there were complications would you obsess over it? This is what I'd be thinking about when trying to decide. You could get a 2nd opinion if you think that would be useful, especially since your two OB's differ. Good luck deciding! I suspect either way will work out well!!

Some people do have side effects like headaches/nausea, etc but that is pretty rare and most just have soreness at the injection site. The shots are supposed to prevent you from going into preterm labor and most are able to avoid bed rest because of them. Others who have had bed rest with a prior pregnancy were able to avoid it when they had the shots. I think I would feel more comfortable with the shots just because I'd feel like I was doing something proactive instead of just waiting and seeing, but I also think I will still want to start doing the cervical checks at 28wks just to be sure. My early dilation with DS was found only because I saw one single spot of blood and went in to be checked; no contractions or anything that would have given me warning. I'm leaning towards doing them even though they may not be 100% necessary just because I think I would feel horrible if something happened.

CaraH · July 2014

I honestly have no idea. But, it sounds like you really know your options. I'd trust my gut, if I were you.

megbmeg · July 2014

haleyusf said:

megbmeg said:

I'm sorry I have more questions than advice!

Would the shots possibly prevent the need for bed rest? Do they have any side effects/risks besides being not so
fun? Would you feel more comfortable/less nervous if you had the shots? If you didn't have te shots and there were complications would you obsess over it?

This is what I'd be thinking about when trying to decide. You could get a 2nd opinion if you think that would be useful, especially since your two OB's differ.

Good luck deciding! I suspect either way will work out well!!

Some people do have side effects like headaches/nausea, etc but that is pretty rare and most just have soreness at the injection site. The shots are supposed to prevent you from going into preterm labor and most are able to avoid bed rest because of them. Others who have had bed rest with a prior pregnancy were able to avoid it when they had the shots. I think I would feel more comfortable with the shots just because I'd feel like I was doing something proactive instead of just waiting and seeing, but I also think I will still want to start doing the cervical checks at 28wks just to be sure. My early dilation with DS was found only because I saw one single spot of blood and went in to be checked; no contractions or anything that would have given me warning. I'm leaning towards doing them even though they may not be 100% necessary just because I think I would feel horrible if something happened.

Based on all the above, I'd say go for it. Get the shots and the cervical checks (is dr #2 on board with that?). It won't harm anything and it may help baby stay put as long as he/she needs. And the act that it will help you feel reassured because you've done all you can is huge. Worth it.

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WWYD re: 17P shots for preterm labor prevention

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