Talk

Flip

Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Childbirth

steroid injections

8 replies

haylezu85 · 23/05/2016 06:56

Hi I have been advised to have steroid shots before my c section to mature the baby's lungs ready for delivery at 38 weeks. Any experience with this?

OP posts:

Report

Marymaymay · 23/05/2016 07:00

I had this done a couple of weeks ago incase of early labour.

It goes into your thigh and I'm not going to lie to you, it hurts. Strange that they ae doing it at 38 wks, I thought baby's lungs were ok by then but I'm sure they know more about this than me.

I had 2 shots, the first time the nurse didn't tell me how painful it would be so I think I tensed up with the shock. The second time I took my best mate with me who allowed me to squeeze her hand and because I knew what was coming it was easier.

I'm not a wuss either, my baby was IVF conceived so well used to giving myself big whacking injections on a regular basis.

Tis worth it is your baby is ok and I was fine 5 mins afterwards.

Good luck :)

Report

haylezu85 · 23/05/2016 07:04

Thanks
Yes heard that they sting. Definately worth it tho. Apparently it's because it's a c section and it's harder to clear there lungs , they haven't offered them with a normal delivery.

OP posts:

Report

Marymaymay · 23/05/2016 07:23

Oh blimey, I'm in for a C section in 4 weeks for a transverse baby...

Didn't know this means another shot.

Think I'd rather try and give birth shoulder first...

When's your C section?

Report

welshweasel · 23/05/2016 07:34

Sting is an understatement! Seriously they aren't too bad, keep wiggling your toes as it goes in. They give it to any planned section before 39 weeks to reduce chance of respiratory distress in the baby.

Report

Nectarines · 23/05/2016 07:34

I had steroid injections before section at 38 weeks. I'm diabetic and the steroids sent my sugar levels sky high but other than that it was fine!

If section is after 39 weeks, I don't think you get them.

Report

ToucanPlayThatGame · 23/05/2016 07:47

I had them for a planned c section at 37 weeks. They do hurt. I found cuddling a pillow really hard helped for the second dose.

Report

WanderingTrolley1 · 23/05/2016 07:59

I had 2 shots when threatened with preterm labour at 28 weeks.

They hurt a lot, but wiggling my lower legs and toes maybe helped a little.

Report

haylezu85 · 23/05/2016 08:01

Thanks, it is planned for the 8 th the day I turn 38 weeks... Due to cholestasis . Baby is breech , if he turns I can go in for induction.