Steroids at 36+4 weeks, baby has stopped growing

[Confusgurl]

I had a growth scan this week at 36+1 where they found my baby was frank breech and she seems to have stopped growing since the scan at 33 weeks.

I spoke to the consultant and they want me to have a C-section at 38 weeks however they also said they wanted me to have steroid injections. She mentioned however that due to the baby being born after 36 weeks there is a chance of a link between steroids and special educational needs later in life..

I’ve researched into this loads and spoke to my midwife. I just can’t see why I’m being offered steroids now if they want to leave her in me until 38 weeks when technically her lungs should be fully developed?

I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place as either way there is a chance she will have problems later in life!
she’s currently 5lb 9 so not a tiny weight, and they don’t know when she stopped growing. But also because she is frank breech the guy had issues getting her abdominal measurements so what if she is grown fine and steroids aren’t needed?

I suppose we will never know.

has anyone had the same situation?
everything I find online is for babies being born pre term which mine won’t be!

Hi

I’m having my baby tomorrow by c section at 38+2 I have accepted steroids which I finished yesterday. I read up on the research and personally it seemed quite low quality to me, that and my last baby Went to nicu due to breathing issues when born in week 37. It’s a totally personal call and from threads I’ve read some babies seem totally fine breathing wise and others struggle. Doesn’t seem to be any way to predict it,

good luck with it xx

Any weight guessed is an estimate at this stage. The truth is they will wamt to monitor and may need to take baby out at any point between now and 38 weeks. That’s why you get asked to take steroids. 38 weeks is the best case scenario

My hospital doesn't give steroids past 34 weeks due to the issues you mentioned OP (not UK). My previous hospital (UK) was moving away from it too... they certainly didn't give them out without a cracking good reason. Can you ask for a repeat scan?

ive Got a scan due on Friday but they want me to decide on the steroids by Monday!

I find it a bit bizarre to be honest. it's quite old school practice. There is always a risk that babies will go to special care... approx 10% of term babies following a C/S due to temporary respiratory issues. If you aren't sure, I'd ask for a second opinion. I'd also ask if that is following hospital protocol or if it's just that consultants recommendation.

Yes I’m going to try and speak with a consultant again tomorrow before deciding!

I had constant growth scans. Consultant age MWs were convinced my second baby was going to be small. She ended up being born at 8lb 3oz. Weight is pretty much a guessing game as a OP has said.

I had elcs at 36+6 and 38w and wasn’t offered steroids either time. What did you decide in the end?

This is another worry if mine. They had so much trouble getting the abdominal measurements due to get position in the back of my mind I’m wondering how accurate it is.
but I’ll never forgive myself if she has stopped growing and her lungs are under developed when she’s born and I don’t have the steroids.
but equally I’ll be furious if she is a big baby as planned and there was no need!

I saw a consultant again yesterday and they said to wait until Friday to decide after a Doppler.

Any update OP? Hope all went went x

We refused the steroids and I’m due a C-section tomorrow at exactly 38 weeks. Feeling super anxious about it to be honest but feel it was the right decision as everything has been perfect until this point, Doppler, movements etc.
so just got to keep our fingers crossed!

That's great, you gotta trust your gut! Best of luck with the section tomorrow! 😊

Fingers crossed for you tomorrow! My baby had a growth scan and was put on 25th centile. 4 weeks later delivered an over 9lb baby on 80th centile!

Hi, I was in the same position but due to water going early and refused the steroids - I had my c section at 37 weeks and my LO just needed a little bit of oxygen when first born - no other issues

Good luck OP!

That's such a lovely update, thank you

I bet you can't wait to meet your LO

Thanks guys, I’ll try to report back after tomorrow!