Steroids for ELCS?

[Gem176]

Anyone been offered steroids for an ELCS after 36 weeks?

I'm a type 1 diabetic and have been told my baby will be arriving no later than 38 weeks, from what they were saying today it seems unlikely I'll be allowed to go that far and it's looking likely to be somewhere between 36 and 38 weeks. The consultant himself said the benefits were "negligible" at this stage so just wondered what the benefits were, if they outweighed the risks and if anyone else had steroids after 36 weeks?

I would need to be admitted to hospital for them as they can cause blood glucose to increase significantly.

Ive also read that there was limited evidence on their benefit after 34 weeks but there was a potential risk to brain development?

DD was delivered via EMCS at 38+5 without any steroids and didn't have any breathing difficulties.

As far as I'm aware baby's lungs are fully developed at 36 weeks as they are making surfactant. Steroids are given to help Prem baby's make surfactant. Each trust will have slightly different guidelines they follow a good reference point will be nice guidelines.
Also if baby comes before 37 weeks will be tech premature so a good group to join is parents of preemies support uk. Other that have had babies at 36 weeks will be able to give advice.

I’m due to have my section at 37 weeks or maybe a bit earlier with my twins. I have just had them at 36 weeks 1 day & 2. I don’t think they like to do it too close or too far away. I’ve taken their advice as I didn’t want to risk breathing issues as the twins will be quite small. It seems to be quite standard here.

Just to warn you.. it does sting quite a lot! Wasn’t prepared for that at all but it soon dies down.

I am diabetic and had planned Caesarian brought forward due to placenta failure so had steroids at 38 weeks the eve before

Had them for both of mine (CS at 35 weeks and 38 weeks). First time was easy decision, with the second it was less clear cut but went with the obstetricians advice in the end.

Thanks for the replies ladies

@boymum88 apparently diabetes can affect surfactant production so while in a "normal" pregnancy they should be all surfactanted up by 36 weeks that can be a little later for infants of diabetic mothers 😔

@Mummytomylittlegirl I had heard that about them 🙈 I've survived a spinal before so surely they aren't that bad, right? Right? Convince me please!

@butterry did your baby have hypoglycaemia post delivery? The steroids can increase the chances and with me being a diabetic mum they are already at a higher risk.

@welshweasel I think I'm only questioning it if I make it to 38 weeks as DD was born via c section at 38+5, no steroids and no issues. Consultant himself said that the benefits were "negligible" so that really filled me with confidence!! Not!

DS2 was an ELCS at 38+5. I declined steroids on the advice of my consultant.

He was fine.

But it's your choice to make.