Steroids before elective c-section?

[strangerjo]

Was anyone given steroids for the baby's lung development before their c-section? I haven't got a date for my c section yet but if it's 39 weeks or after, would they give them? I'm worried about respiratory distress.

[icclemunchy]

I had them for DD2 who was 35 weeks (not quite elective but we had a wait for theatre) but not with DD1 who was 37 weeks.

I don't think they give them after 37 weeks. Not sure if this varies by hospital though

[Panther79]

I didn't have them at 37+4 when my son was born recently by emergency CS. I queried this with the obs consultant and surgeon and they said they don't give them after 37 weeks. This might vary from hospital to hospital though so might be worth asking when you meet the doctors.

[Panther79]

Just to add - reason I was given is that baby is considered full term after 37 weeks. I also was worried about lungs development but my son is absolutely fine.
Please don't worry

[Stepawayfromthezebras]

I had them before my elcs at 38 weeks. Seemed a bit ott to me though, especially as I'd already had them at 28 weeks. It seemed to vary between the doctors as to whether they thought I needed them. I can't imagine you get them at 39 weeks though

[Want2bSupermum]

I'm in the US and have had 2 CSs at 39 and 41 weeks. I wasn't given steroids for either of them. I'm scheduled at 38 weeks for this one and they are scanning me on the day before to check lung function. If needed they will give the steroids.