Elective c-section at 37 + 6

[birdybirdy21]

Hi

I'm due to have an elective c-section at 37+6 due to previous complications (stillbirth at 42 weeks).

I'm being told by my consultant that I will have to have steriods prior to the operation to make sure the baby's lungs are mature enough. Can anyone with any experience of this explain the process to me. Is it just one dose of steriods? I don't really want to have them tbh. I had my last daughter at 38 + 3 by elective section and she was absolutely fine.

I had DS at 35 weeks by emcs. They realised he would probably be coming early at 32 weeks so i had 2 steroids injections in my bum. Night problem and meant less time in nicu. Glad i had them.

I had them before an ELCS at 38+2 for breech twins. One jab in my bum and then another 12 hours later in the other side. Not a pleasant injection at all, not that they've ever enjoyable. Both babies still ended up in 'mild respiratory distress' and in NICU for 2 days, but my experience was a bit odd; for various reasons I wasn't given the steroids until 24 hours before the op, with the second dose 12 hours before. I'd asked repeatedly if I needed them in the run up and was told the consultant had decided not, and then all that changed at my pre op, but it was obviously too late. They were both really good weights (the 7lb13 baby was the one who was poorlier), so all things considered I wish I'd had the injections earlier.

2 of my dc were born at 37+2 weeks & weren't given any steroids. They were fine.

With dc3 I went into premature labour. I was given 2 injections of steroids in my bottom about 8 hours apart.

HTH.

Take care.

I think I am going to be given them initially on the Monday with the operation on the Friday......

I had this earlier this year. Injections were something like 24 hours apart and it wasn't many days before my cs.

Like you, my previous baby died. I really feel for you - I wish no-one had to deal with that. I was told there would be no side effects (and I believe most are fine). I didn't ask so I could fuss, but Because I wanted to know if I should expect anything. In the event my face became v.sore and red, and I felt Breathless - only for a couple of Days.

With ds, his lungs hadn't developed properly due to a genetic condition. The injections are aimed at helping little lungs to cope better, especially with what is probably an earlier arrival, than if we had a 'natural' birth.

Post-injections & section, we have a healthy dd - as I type, wiggling her little legs in the air. Personally, I could not allow myself to believe I was going to have a baby who was going to live, so spent the first few months feeling rather shell-shocked.

I hope all goes well for you and that your baby will be a joy and a delight to you. Be kind to yourself. K

Sorry, didn't explain v.well. When pg with ds, cons then knew the issues, but injections were never offered.

I did wonder if my side effects were anything to do with my existing asthma, eczema & psoriasis!

Although scans showed dd as healthy, we were willing to do anything that could improve her chances. For dd we had a lovely consultant (total change to the horrible total understatement one we had when pg with ds).

Thanks everyone

I had to have these after I was admitted into hospital with a bleed at 33 weeks.

It was just as a precaution in case DS needed to be born early, to give his lungs the best possible chance.

Mine were injections in the bum 24 hours apart. They do really sting but didnt cause me any side effects.

I had these injections with DC2 and 3. With each of the pregnancies I had placenta praevia.

With DD1 I had them at about 34 weeks, 24 hours apart in my bum. Dd1 was born at 37.5 weeks weighing 8lb 11oz!

With DD2 I was given them at 26 weeks, she held on until 36+1. Born 5lb 13oz but no problems.

It is just 2 injections to boost the surfactant in the babies lungs, which helps them inflate rather than sticking together (I think, happy to be corrected)