Steroids at 38wks before csec

[ruthieellen]

Hello.
I have been told that I probably need steroids and to go into hospital 2-3days before csec at 38wks.
Has anyone else experienced this?

Sounds routine. C-secs before 39 weeks normally involve giving steroids because unlike labour, a c-section doesn't help clear the lungs of mucus and babies are therefore more likely to have breathing issues.

I'm being induced at 38 weeks no mention of steroids

I'm being induced at 38 weeks no mention of steroids

Induction is different to CS because the process of labour helps to clear the lungs. Induction at full term (post 37 weeks) doesn't call for steroids but ELCS before 39 weeks does because of the lack of the positive effects of labour.

I had my son 2 weeks ago by emcs, we were offered the steroid injections as he was only 37 +6 but I declined them. The previous posts about why they're necessary are very true, but it reduced the risk from 6% to 3% of needing assistance. I did worry that he may require some time in nicu but fortunately he was absolutely fine! It is offered pre 38 weeks I've now learnt. Good luck!

Following, I'm having a section at 34 weeks due to low fluid and breech baby. But I've been told conflicting things to do with steroids. I've been told I should have them but that at 34 weeks her lungs should be just fine. I'm just nervous as I have a very severe needle phobia and have been told the steroids really hurt.

I had an ELCS at 37.5 and declined steroids on the basis of there being very low risk of breathing difficulties at that point versus some unknowns about the long-term effects of the steroids. DD was born with an Apgar score of 9. No problems whatsoever.

Oh, and the consultant was very happy with me declining the steroids, and said she would do the same.

@Exhaustedmummy1811 I’d suspect at 34 weeks you would be strongly advised to have steroids. Dd is a 34 weeker, needed low flow oxygen for the first 24 hours (not cpap) and then was on a drip for a further 4 days. She was released from hospital after 12 days. Good luck!!!

Thank you so much for all of your advice. I think it might be due to the fact that I have gestational diabetes. Does anyone know if babies lungs are under developed due to GD?
So lovely to have such good advice from you all x

ruthieellen no having GD does not have an impact on how developed baby's lungs will be - its standard to offer steroids for c-sections prior to 39 weeks (but not for inductions) for the reasons mentioned above regardless of GD.