Steroid Injections - 24 and/or 28 weeks?

[Kelly1814]

Hello all

I'm high risk of early labour due to incompetent cervix and cerclage at 14 weeks.

My consultant initially mentioned having steroid injections at 24 weeks to help to develop the baby so that if it comes early it had a better chance. Last time I saw her she then said 28 weeks.

I can't help but think that 24 is the better option - I might not make it to 28 weeks.

Has anyone had these shots and at what stage did you have them? Feedback gratefully received. My 24 week appt is in two weeks so would be great to have your thoughts for when I go in.

Kelly, I had these shots at 25 weeks a short while ago after a scare (that turned out to be probably a false alarm). Does your consultant think you're doing well if she's suggesting 28 weeks? My understanding is that it's optimum to have 7 days after the shots for full efficacy so if you're worried about your baby staying put, sooner than later is probably more prudent.

I also read that they are most effective for the 2 weeks after you get them, but only read that in other forums and am looking for research at the moment. Maybe that's why she'd like to hold off for as long as possible because it makes sense to wait until it looks as if labour might really happen.

That's a good point about me doing well, I am definitely still pregnant (!) stitch holding out and no cervix funnelling, but this could of course change at any moment.

I will ask about optimum time and try not to get too into dr google until next scan! Thanks for your support, glad your scare is over :)

Thanks. I hope your stitch holds up although there is no reason why it shouldn't. You can have a strong short cervix. It would be good to ask your consultant all these questions. Everything happened so quickly for me I was having the injection before I had time to gather my thoughts so will asking my ob everything retrospectively - not great. Best of luck.

Hi. Had the shots with both of my daughters. Regular stitch with DD1 but she tried coming at 26 weeks so had the shots ( she stayed in until 34). DD2 came at 35 but I had them 4 weeks before because I spent a month before she came going in and out of labour ( I had an abdominal suture with her). Talk to your consultant and tell her your concerns .... Then she can explain her reasoning to you. Good luck