steroids for baby

[Stiggley]

I am 25 weeks. It is highly likely that I will have early baby or small. Was given steroids by registrar dr who saw me today just for check up
. Normal consultant didn't see me.

Anyone got any experience of taking these even if they went to 39 weeks and all ok. Felt registrar was being cautious as I didn't need them last time.

Anyone know if this may be hospital policy fir sll high risk pregnancies? Dd1 was born in different hospital.

[Dolallytats]

I had them with my son who is now 5. I had severe bleeding throughout most of the pregnancy and was in hospital for most of it because of this. I was given steroids at around 30 weeks (approx) as they couldn't predict what would happen.

DS was then actually born at 38 weeks. He was small, but not drastically-6lb exactly. I think it is pretty standard to give steroids if there is a possibility of an early birth because it helps develop babies lungs.

HTH.

[Kelly1814]

Have been told I have to have these injected at 24 weeks ( high risk of Pre term, cerclage) my doctor said just one dose. Another dose is not good for the baby's brain apparently? Good to hear some good experiences of this.

[dizzy77]

I had them at 24wks and now 35, so my fingers crossed we'll make it through another couple. It was much less painful in my buttock (second jab) than my thigh (first). And since by the second time I'd learned it was a big vial going in, I breathed out for the 10 secs it took which probably helped a lot.

The weeks do gradually get less worrying although tick both so slowly and so quickly under the sort of risks that make them give you steroids. Best of luck OP.

[beckie90]

I had them at 34wks as was contracting, baby actually ended up been induced at 42wks, weighing 6ib 8, he was fine x

[Stiggley]

Thanks for the advice all.

I was a 30 weeker weighing in at 1lb but they didn't have steroids back in the dark ages!

Hoping this one behaves and stays put and is a fighter like its mum!

[Stiggley]

Thanks for the advice all.

I was a 30 weeker weighing in at 1lb but they didn't have steroids back in the dark ages!

Hoping this one behaves and stays put and is a fighter like its mum!

[10storeylovesong]

I had a dose at 24 weeks and the first one of a dose at 27+2 when I started contractions. Baby decided to be impatient and didn't stick along for the second dose but I'm sure that first one is why he came out crying when I was told he would be silent and why he came home at 35 weeks after doing so well in hospital.

Being told to expect a prem labour is frightening but the steroids definitely help. Good luck with everything.

[ShadowStorm]

I had 2 doses of steroids at 33 weeks after my waters broke - I believe it's standard practice if they think the baby's likely to be premature, as the steroids help the lungs develop faster.

DS was born at 34 weeks - he needed to go on CPAP at first to help with his breathing, but was off that and breathing independantly after about 2 days.