steroid question

[cookie4800]

Anyone know if it makes much of a difference if you get the steroid shot for the baby's lungs at 23 weeks or 24?

I ask because I know I am 22+1. (Ivf) However Dr. wrote a date down wrong and they think I am 22+4. Babies are perfect development wise. Due to my situation I know they r going to be giving me the shot. Should I correct the date situation or be thankful they are giving me a few days. I was thinking it should be fine because in non Ivf cases due date is just a guess anyways.

Thoughts?

 

[Anniebobs]

I don't think it matters so much when they give it, it matters more how soon you deliver in relation to when you receive the shots. So if you had it at 24 weeks then deliver at 29 weeks the shots wouldn't really have made a difference as a 29-weeker without the shots would likely have the same lung capacity at that point, but if you have the shots at 24 weeks and deliver at 25 weeks the lung development should be better than a 25-weeker born without having the shots iyswim.

However I still think you should mention the dates to your doctor, it might not make a difference but I know that every day counts at that early stage so it might effect when they'd consider delivering. Good luck I hope your baby stays put for a while longer

 

[mummy3]

I deliver early due to a genetic condition so also get the steroid shots at viability, I'm offered 23 or 24 weeks but it would depend if you're having strong signs at the 23 week mark if you choose that. We choose 23 weeks last time and got them again at 26 weeks. Pregnancy prior we had them at 25 weeks and at 31 during pprom. In my personal experience, having the 2 rounds made a big difference in lung maturity. You'd need another lot if you get further on after the 23/24 weeks to get full benefit.

 

[Kiwiberry]

If they suspect you are going into pre-term labor, then yes the shot is highly recommended. In fact, more than one shot is ideal. I would not decline getting it. Just because your baby is "fully formed" does not mean he/she is ready for the outside world.

How it works:
Betamethasone and dexamethasone cause an immature fetus's lungs to produce a compound called surfactant. A full-term baby's lungs naturally produce surfactant, which lubricates the lining of the air sacs within the lungs. This allows the inner surfaces of the air sacs to slide against one another without sticking during breathing. Premature infants whose lungs have begun producing surfactant are more able to breathe on their own, or with less respiratory treatment, after birth.

Why it is used:
Betamethasone and dexamethasone are corticosteroids, also called glucocorticoids, that are given before birth (antenatally) to speed up a preterm fetus's lung development. Either is used when a mother is in preterm labor and birth may occur within 7 days. This helps prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and related complications following premature birth.

Many infants born at 33 to 34 weeks' gestation have sufficient lung maturity to breathe on their own. But considering the low-risk, high-benefit nature of this treatment, corticosteroids are typically used up to 34 weeks of pregnancy.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/baby/antenatal-corticosteroids-for-fetal-lung-development

 

[Dinah93]

Steroids are most effective if given within 7 days of birth, 2 doses 24 hours apart. So if it looks like you'll hold on to 24/25 weeks have them later.

 

[mummy3]

You can have the 2 doses so a round twice. I had my first round at 23 weeks and the second round at 26 weeks. I found have the 2 rounds made a big difference in my case.