Steroid injections 35 weeks +

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Hello,

Just looking for some advice.

I am currently 34 + 4 and have been booked in for a c section at 37 weeks. The reason being that our baby is on the 4th percentile for size with suspected placental insufficiency so have been told she won’t cope well with labour.

The goal is to get to 37 weeks but the consultant doesn’t seem to think we will do. Today she discussed steroid injections with us for baby’s lungs. She advised that pre 35 weeks they are strongly recommended but above 35 weeks is a grey area and is up to the parents.

When we asked why she explained that there is research to suggest that the injections can cause developmental delays.

She said that pre 35 weeks the injections are essential but above this they are not considered so.

We are are now really conflicted on what to do. We tried asking the consultant and the midwife for advice but they said we need to do our own research and they can’t advise either way.

Just wanted some opinions on anyone who has had them over the 35 week mark and what advice they were given?

Thank you

I had them at 32wks just before a premature birth and was offered again during my 2nd pregnancy at 38 weeks, which I refused.A doctor told me that it can cause behaviour problems and asd. My child that was born at 32wks has suspected adhd and possibly asd. Please do not it if you ve choice especially after 35wks.

I had them for each pregnancy. I feel that the long term effects of under developed lungs pose a far greater risk than a risk of developmental delays, for which surely they'd be at risk from from being prem to begin with. Having gone through nicu my child who got steroids faired far better than those who didn't

Are they concerned baby’s lungs are underdeveloped? After 35 weeks you’re meant to be relatively safe on that front. I would be asking if they have a specific concern before agreeing

i had the steroids around 33+5 with my twins because of preterm labour (which they subwsequeny stopped, we got to 38 weeks) and neither of those possible side effects were mentioned. I would question if it is correlation or causation- premature birth is also associated with asd and developmental delays, and guess what lots of preterm babies get? The steroids.

My waters broke at 33+6 and my hospital policy was up to 34 weeks got them. however, i had the added complication of being diabetic and was worried that the steroids would send my sugars absolutely mental. My labour hadn't started and they hoped to keep her in a few more weeks if they could so left it up to me. I decided no as if my labour didn't start i didn't want to be stuck in hospital on an insulin pump. She arrived naturally at 34+1 weeks and came out screaming with no breathing issues. But i think this is very unusual for the age not to have some time in the NICU but she was a tough one (still is) and other than some UV light and precautionary antibiotics she was fine. Though i do know that c-section babies are more likely to have lung issues.

As for the developmental delays, this was never mentioned to me but i do imagine that's more likely to be correlation rather than causation