Progesterone shots starting @ 16 wks???

[jojosmami]

I am 16 wks into my 3rd pregnancy. Both of my 1st 2 pregnancies were preterm babies. My 1st was due to High BP and my DD was 6 wks early because of a hole that was leaking fluid from my bag. My Dr. has put me as a High Risk pregnancy and they want me to get 17 Hydroxy Progesterone shots starting at this wk to prevent preterm labor. I'm so on the fence about this! Of course I want my baby to stay in me as long as possible but I just don't know if I should be taking steroids every week. If both my babies were born early because of water breaking early or something like that then I think the decision would be easier but because one was early because of my BP and the shot wont protect me or the baby from that I really don't know what to do. Has anyone ever had these or advice either way? I have a Dr next wk have to decide by then. I'm so confused!

 

[tennismom]

I had this shot with my 2nd and 3rd pregnancy. My first pregnancy I delivered at 32 weeks. My second pregnancy (with shot) my water broke at 33 1/2 weeks. My last pregnancy, I just had him two weeks ago at 38 weeks! (with the shot until 36 weeks)
The shot really does control an irritable uterus and I've also heard it 'helps' BP issues. - doesn't raise or lower blood pressure, but it is givien at times to people with high blood presssure (not sure wy though)
The prog. shot is a hormone, not a steriod.
You can get shots to mature the baby's lungs if it looks like you are going into preterm labor. Or , when you had your other kids. . .Since I tend to deliver b/t 32- 33 weeks, I got steriod shots at 32 weeks.
I would reccomend the shots. Check out the march or dimes website. Also, the shot won't harm, only help. I see no reason why not to get it. Esp. since you had PROM.

 

[corrie anne]

I had this for 2 of my pregnancies. I had it first at 16weeks which i think is what time it is suppose to start, i had still had her early at 33 weeks anyways. The shots are some what painful, they are thicker than normal b/c it is petroleum based. You switch sides every week. I had a very stressful pg and i know that is why she came early. Now my last pg ended at 33 weeks as well, but i did not start the shots until 20 weeks since the doff did not want to listen to me(moved and got a new OBGYN) and by the time i started the shots my cervix was thinning and shortening(which i too suggested a cerclage but again did not listen to me) So it really did not do any good. I would go ahead and get them, it is not a steroid. I would also suggest having to get put on some kind of BP meds like Procardia. Which is safe to use while pregnant and is what i was on to hold off labor. It is really a BP med but those meds help ward off PTL. Since you have had early babies they will give you the 2 dose steroid shots that are 24 hrs part. They should give it to you around 28weeks.

If you also check out March of Dimes like the PP mentioned, look up the shots as well since that is where i found the info on it before taking the shots in the first place and see if it is right for you.

 

[jojosmami]

Thank You so much ladies for the info! I really wanted to hear from real people who have had them. I'm gonna go check out that website as well. Thank You again Ladies!

 

[mummy3]

I have them this pregnancy, last baby was a 33 weeker with labour stopped from 24 weeks.

They do help a lot of women high risk for PTL, me personally they are not doing much, my cervix is still shortening and I am still having contractions on and off. The other 2 women on them at my OB's office did get to past 38 weeks though so

A lot of women do say they are painful, but I've not found this, could be down to the person giving the shot. I do get a headache after though and am very sleepy for the rest of the day after the shot.

 

[jojosmami]

Thanks for your insight Mummy3. Any advice is VERY welcome.
I did take a look at the March of Dimes website and it gave me the same info as you lades did. Did all of you start them @ 16wks?

 

[corrie anne]

A lot of women do say they are painful, but I've not found this, could be down to the person giving the shot. I do get a headache after though and am very sleepy for the rest of the day after the shot.

I agree, it does depend on who is giving it to you, some like to give it slow since it is so thick but some do it fast and that hurts. Rubbing it in helps a little. I dont think i got the headaches that often.

The first time i got the shots i started at 16weeks. Which seems to be the norm. My last pg the OB wanted to start them at 20weeks which i was opposed to but of course had no say in it. I think if i were just listened to i could have made it to at least 36 on. So i would make sure you are comfortable with our OB and that you guys are on the same page and that you are listened to b/c that does make a difference.