Steroids? Need to decide

[Worried2105]

Hi everyone. Doctor has suggested I have the steroid injections due to risk of premature labour. Currently 34 weeks. However, I'm worried about side effects both short and long term, even though I know the benefits outweigh the risks. I'm hoping the baby can hold on another week or two. I've tried googling but there's lots of mixed information. Can anyone help me decide? Thanks.

I've had steroids with both severely premature DC & wouldn't think twice about accepting them. I'd request them! We have no side effects from them several years down the line

I had steroids with all three of my children. DD1 came very quickly at 30 weeks so I only had one lot - they tried to keep her in so I could have another injection but she was too eager. She had lots of medical issues in the early days but is now 16, fabulous and on track for 8/9s in GCSEs. She is ASC but then, so is DH.
I had steroids earlier with DD2 and DS1 and both had easier starts even though they arrived at 35 and 33 weeks and are both academically able (aged 14 and 9 now).
I would agree with everyone else - have the steroids.

You have the option of having them, so have them!! My 33-weeker was born too fast for them to be given, literally as the doctor was preparing it the midwife shouted at her not to bother as baby was crowning.

Thankfully DD was okay without and didn't need extra O2 or ventilation but still would have been better of she'd had it.

My 32 weekend has just started his Master's after getting a First 😉

I was never given a choice iirc,it was just a case of "you need steroid injections now." Ds had a pnemo thorax (sp?) when he was born so very pleased he had all the help he could get. Was told her be in SCBU for 2 months and he was out in 3 weeks. Have the steroids.

** WEEKER not weekend 😂

Steroids is recommended for babies born before term & the hospital is audited on the proportion of babies who have had them. It's well established that babies generally do better and need less breathing support if they've had steroids.

As for the link between ADHD & low IQ, I'd be interested in seeing that evidence. I've seen this risk discussed for early preterm babies, and as preterm babies are the ones getting steroids, this is a more likely link.

Hi may I ask how your child is now after the steroids? Any learning difficulties or ADHD? Xxx

@Rachall To update: I didn't get the steroid injections. But went into labour a week later at 35 weeks and had the steroid injection about 30 minutes before he arrived. So I'm not sure if it actually had time to work! He needed some breathing support when born but came off the machines after a day or so. Although, he does struggle with his chest now and has inhalers prescribed. Who knows if having steroids earlier would have made a difference.
Despite being prem he's growing well, hitting all milestones, talking lots, very happy, social etc. He's only a toddler so I think it's too early to tell about IQ/ADHD but no concerns at the moment 🙂