Steroids for lung maturity

[Snowy87]

Hi, has anyone whose babies have been delivered 37-38 weeks (especially via C-section) have steroids for baby’s lungs? I’m booked in for c section 37+5 and waiting for a call to discuss steroids. I just wondered what peoples experiences of this are? Are there huge risks? Thanks x

Twins born at 31 weeks steroids given before birth and afterwards. Strapping six year olds now.

Twins born at 36 weeks given this medication. Now very healthy 18 year olds.

Both babies born 38 (38+3) by emergency c sections neither needed steroids. Both had antibiotics for various reasons and one in NICU

C section at 38 weeks no steroids needed - home within 24 hrs

Had at 33 + 5 . All fine. Didn’t even have time to think about the risks!

I had them at 32 weeks due to continuing, very strong, contractions.
In the event dc was born spontaneously at 37 weeks exactly weighing 7lb (exactly the same as my 1st pregnancy).

As far as I'm aware he's has no related issues, and is 19 next week.

Good luck.

Had them at 30 weeks for Dts who turned up at 31 weeks, bit stingy. One had cpap for 24 hours the other didn't need anything.

Yes I had steroids at 34 weeks after my waters broke. DD was born after I was induced at 37 weeks. No issues I'm aware of.

Yes, I was admitted to hospital with pre-eclampsia at 37 weeks and had a week with steroids then baby born by ELCS at 38 weeks.

More recent research has suggested moving away from the use of steroids after 36 weeks when the reason is purely just a c section pre 38 weeks. Evidence used to suggest steroids until 34 weeks for any possible preterm births, and prior to 38 weeks in the case of needing a c section. This recommendation has changed fairly recently so would recommend reading up about the new research to help you make an informed decision. Many hospitals aren't giving them now for c sections occurring between 36 and 38 weeks. Every scenario is different though and if there are other risk factors they would be assessed on an individual basis.

Yes - this. My waters went at 36w and I did some reading as I wasn’t sure if they would be offered. I had decided I would decline, but they didn’t offer in the end anyway. I assume this is because I was at the 36w mark. A lady admitted at the same time as me was discussing with the doctors whether or not to have them with her twins and I think she was about 34 weeks. DD was born by c section at 37 weeks and fortunately her breathing was fine.

Yes, waters broke at 29 weeks and given steroid injection. DD born at 37weeks, now a healthy 3YO.

Thank you for sharing everyone. I have read many articles, guidelines and research about it. The later in life effects is what's concerning me, however that was only base on one research project. I know a few people whose babies were born with 37 weeks spontaneously without steroids and were fine: I have antibodies which the baby has antigens against so potentially could lead to anaemia and jaundice. I'm wondering if that's why they are offering them to me incase baby needs treatment for other things etc when born. I will see what the doctor says and hopefully mother's instinct will kick in. Xx

With my first I had a huge bleed at 36 weeks. I was asked about having a csection, but was told that baby was doing fine at that moment in time, so I opted to be monitored. I was given a steroid injection there and then ‘just incase’ baby had other ideas, or in case of emergency delivery. She decided that she was ready to join us at 38+1, and was born at 5lb 1. I was so glad that I’d had that steroid injection then! She’s a very happy and healthy, turning 4 years old, tomorrow!