Steriod injections in pregnancy

[Butterpuff]

I'll be having a planned C-section at around 38 weeks due to complications with baby (a heat problem). I've just been given my section date along with appointments for steroid injections to help harden the babies lungs prior to birth. Looking at some old threads on here I can only see that people have had the steroid injections for very premature birth, not so close to term as I am. Is it normal to have them at 38 weeks.

I hadon't steroid injections when I was pregnant with my little boy I was 36 weeks due to threatened early labour but he wasn't born until 38 weeks

While the most common scenario for steroids does appear to be possible premature delivery, I imagine your baby's heart issue probably is also being taken into account by your doctors when making their recommendation, so you probably shouldn't compare directly with other circumstances. By all means, request additional information at or before your appointment to ensure you fully understand and agree but steroid injections are a fairly common, effective and safe procedure. I wish you and your baby the very best.

Thanks both.
I'll take anything recommended by the excellent doctors I have seen. I was just surprised as 38 weeks is not that early really and baby at the moment is showing signs of being perfectly well except the heat being plumbed wrong.

I had to have them at a day short of 38 weeks . They have changed rule now so for a number of planned early Labours they will give them.
X

Thanks Zen.

Steroid injection cover is recommended for all anticipated caesareans less than 39 weeks of preterm delivery (less than 34/35 weeks depending on different hospital policy). Babies born by c section have a higher risk of respiratory problems after birth which is why they are recommended X good luck x