Steroid injections to help preemie lungs??? Help???

Jacqueline - posted on 03/18/2013

Steroids don't stay in your system and it is highly unlikely that the steriods are the cause of her being bigger than the other children - if you are concerned though you need to have a medical specialist check it out as she may have another condition which could be geneticly related to her bigger sizing - you know what - it could just be her too.

I know as her Mum you'll love her just the same but I have always had things checked out if I'm concerned - and I figured my dr thought I was a nutty older mum any way so it wouldn't make much of a difference to his opinion - for me it paid off and my son mostly gets the help he needs - I had to have the steroid shots with him when I was 30 weeks as went into labour then it stopped and he was born at 40 weeks - he's not large infact he's pretty skinny and tall with big feet - be assured it's highly unlikely that small does of steriod did that to her. Hugs Mum.

Melissa - posted on 03/18/2013

I had 2 shots 24hrs apart at 25+4 weeks.

The steroids had the recommended 48hrs to "work" and I had my baby at 26 weeks. She is still in NICU and her lungs/breathing seem to be her biggest issue at the moment, so it's hard for me to say if they worked or not because I think, well if she DIDN'T have them, would she even be alive?

Concerned - posted on 03/16/2013

Hello! I have a beautiful daughter, who is 11 now. I was a high risk patient, who had to be delivered by an ER cesarean section due to my severe preeclampsia. I was hospitalised @ 31.2 weeks. My concern now is that due to the 2 doses of steroids injections to help my daughter's lung develop, I see side effects in her. She is bigger than her peers in school. Large feet, large hands, she is just big.

Christine - posted on 01/29/2013

Hi i had the same thing. i was giving steriod shots for my daughter and had her at 36 weeks. they are to help develop the babies lings so they can breathe on their own. They really helped my child. like i said she was born at 26 weeks at 4lbs 7 oz and she is fine.

Kayla - posted on 01/18/2013

Nicole,
I believe the injections are a good idea, I had my daughter 8 weeks early & I had 2 shots, 24 hours apart & my daughters lungs were completely fine when she was born, she was actually off oxygen in about a day or so in the NICU, as for the people saying it didn't work or they question the doctors, I dont think the doctors are going to try to hurt your unborn children, they know what they are talking about! Who knows, if I hadn't gotten the shot, maybe her lungs wouldnt have been developed? The choice is yours! Like I said I had two shots and my daughter is now 12 months old and dont have any types of breathing problems etc! Good Luck with the preterm labor & with your decision :)

Jenny - posted on 01/16/2013

I was given steroid injections at 27 weeks with my son. The doctor made sure I knew that the steroid would try to help baby, but they can't guarantee that would fix all problems.

River - posted on 11/10/2012

I gave birth to my son 4 months early. When I got to the hospital I was already 5 cm. They injected me with one steroid shot and flew me to another hospital that specialized in premature birth. Well was supposed to. The next morning after arriving there, I was at 8 cm. I never got the second shot. And they ended up breaking my water at 9 in the morning. He lived for 20 minutes and died in my arms. So honest to god I don't feel that it worked. And I feel it just made it worse. So I'm on here now researching and trying to find answers like what was in it. What are the side effects. And was it really supposed to work. I question the hospitals. They know what they are doing but will they actually try to help or make it worse. I was flown to a hospital that was supposed to help my son. But in the end me and my husband lost out.

Tracy - posted on 10/12/2012

I had 2 injections at 26 weeks. They were 24 hours apart and then an additional 24 hours to "work". My little guy was was born at 27 weeks. His lungs have already collapsed a couple of times. He has RDS. Hes been on some type of ventilator since birth (hes currently on the conventional after about a week on the oscillator). I was sitting here wondering today if the steriods even worked. I wish I could have made it a little further so that I could have received a 2nd set of injections. Maybe you will be far enough along to receive them. Good luck to you and your baby :)

Kristina - posted on 10/11/2012

I personally do not agree with the use of steriods for any situation in general. When I went into early labor with my singleton, (37 weeks) they gave me the injection, and only after they gave it, did they tell me what it was. It caused me to vomit and dry heave with every contraction for 12 hours, up until the last few with which I delivered, It was not fun! Whos to say whether or not your baby will be born with a healthy set of lungs with or without the steriods. My second labor, (with my twins at 34 weeks) progressed too fast for any any injections whatsoever. They barely had time to get the IV in before I was 10cm dialated and needed to push. Please let me stress that BOTH of my twins at the gestational age of 34weeks were born with a healthy set of lungs WITHOUT the steriods! I am not commenting to lay blame, or induce guilt in any of the woman who have recieved the injections. I am only asking that the woman considering them, research THE CRAP out of every single thing those doctors tell you is necessary to deliver a healthy baby. They may not be as necessary as one might think. :) Good luck!

Jenna - posted on 10/07/2012

It is definitely one of the best things you can do so that when your baby is born, the lungs will be healthier than if you did not have the steroid injections. I had twins born at 27 weeks. I was only able to get two steroid injections before they were born. I feel like without those injections, my one daughter Kiera may not have made it. Her water broke early and so she wasnt getting the amount of oxygen that she should have been getting.

Erika - posted on 10/04/2012

I'm 33 weeks pregnant & suffer of high blood presure i been at the hospital since yesturday collecting my 24 hour urine & i also got the shot twice To be honest im super worry :-(

Tabatha - posted on 09/11/2012

I got the steroid shots a week ago due to headaches and history of preclampsia which I'm getting the headache blurred vision and dizziness again but my pressures are fine I'm wondering if I go in if they would take the baby if he would be ok after only 1 week of steroids in him if they decide to take him at 33weeks

Ginger - posted on 04/28/2012

Waaay better to have the shot and not need it, then have the baby come early with underdeveloped lungs.

Melissa - posted on 04/26/2012

I got the shots at 24 weeks and my daughter was born at 26 weeks. She was 1 pound and 4 ounces and she was breathing on her own!! She was on cpap but a few days ago she was put on a canula, I think the shots helped her a lot!!

Johanna - posted on 04/12/2012

I got those injections at 28 weeks when I had a bleed and she was born at 29 weeks. She breathed on her own when she was delivered and was only intubated for a few hours as they had no CPAP available at first. Then she was on a CPAP for a few hours and the same evening she didn't need it any more and just got oxygen enriched air in her incubator. I think the injections made a massive difference and there were no side-effects.

Connie - posted on 04/11/2012

I also had those injections at 30 weeks, I think they did help her lungs but they are not miracle drugs. My daughter was born at 32 weeks and was on a ventilator for 7 days because she couldnt fully breathe on her another medicine that seemed to help after she was born was surfactin. Good Luck and God Bless your little one

Jacqueline - posted on 04/04/2012

I had these injections when I went into labour at 30 weeks with my eldest - the labour stopped but they give it to give them the best chance of survival without intervention.



(Asthma medication is a steroid too so if you look at it like that it's not an issue).



I again had the injections when they thought at 37 weeks they would need to induce me due to having shingles and the affects the medication to make me well may have on my unborn baby - believe me one has special needs (nothing to do with that) and the other asthma (again not related to the vaccinations) but both had darn good lungs at birth.



don't worry - your baby will be just great when it's born & if she needs to be born at 36 weeks then the Dr has definitely done the right thing by both of you.

Janet - posted on 01/31/2010

I received the steroid injections for preemies, and my 24 weeker did great, did not need the ventilator because I received 4 series of the shot. My 24 weeker is 10 years old with no medical problems. I feel because of the shots her lungs were developed much more than a 24 weeker. Lungs are primary issue for preemies that tends to be a long-term problem. 10 years later no side effects...Would do it again...

Melanie - posted on 01/31/2010

Hi :-) I unfortunately got a water infection a week before birth and doctor advised me medication could bring on early labour, i thought everything was fine until i started getting tummy pains (33 weeks) when i went into hospital they just advised me fluid around the baby that is supposed to be around 10-20 and mine was 9 was on the low side they said baby could come early, they gave me the steroid injections for her lungs and im so glad they did, i went home from hospital feeling fine and thought it was false alarm little Macey was born 2 days later 4lb 10oz was on a ventilator for a couple of hours but then was breathing unaided she had to be in NICU for a week but done amazing bless her and she certainly my beautiful little angel. As for the side affects i didn't seem to get any but they certainly did a brilliant job god knows what may have happened if i had not had them.

Elizabeth - posted on 01/31/2010

DO IT! I have had four premature babies (35 wks, 37 wks, 33 wks and 25 wks) - the last was delivered the same day I went into labor and I only had time to get one shot a few hours before he was born - he is now 2 and we deal with chronic lung disease, asthma, multiple bronchilitis events, H1N1 and the like. Steroids are proven to help your baby's lungs to develop inutero...the side effects of NOT having well developed lungs are not something you want to deal with for years to come.
Wishing you a safe and healthy delivery,
Elizabeth

Schaneon - posted on 01/30/2010

I had the shots within the few days before she was born and I really believe they helped a ton. She was born at 33 weeks and tiny and scored 8 & 9 on her apgars and had no breathing problems whatsoever. She was only in the NICU for 9 days, and that was basically to learn to eat. Good luck, I know it's a scary time.

Nina - posted on 01/30/2010

I had my daughter at 25 weeks, I had the shots, and she had the shots, we are both fine! My daughter was really early and in the nicu for 5 months, but its bc she was so early not bc of the shots, if we didnt get them she probably would have had a lot more going on in those 5 months than we did.

Amy - posted on 01/30/2010

Yes! The steroid injections for preemies help so much! My oldest daughter was born at 34 weeks. It was an unexpected early delivery. I did not have the steroids with her. She needed help to breathe. She is now 10 years old and has had asthma since birth. I went in to pre term labor with our second daughter at 28 weeks. I was given the 2 steroid shots at that time. Labor stopped thankfully and I carried her until 33 weeks. She came out screaming and needed no help breathing. She had no feeding problems either. She spent one week in the nicu for precautionary reasons. She came home at 4lbs 9 oz.. She was able to breastfeed without a problem. I think the steroid injections for preemies are amazing.

Deborah - posted on 01/30/2010

Well my daughter was born at 31 weeks and the steriods they gave her made the world of difference. They helped her to develop her lung functions and the fact is most premmie babies do have respiratory complications and the steriods are given as a precautionary.

There are no known side effects of the steriods so dont worry it all goes to your baby who needs it.... you wont end up looking like a chinese swimmer or grow a moustache LOL.
Good luck and enjoy your bubba x

Kayla - posted on 01/29/2010

I had the the two shots and my little girl was born the next day, she was born at 26 weeks and 5 days. The shots helped greatly, even though she was born that early she had a easier time, because of the shots.

Sarah - posted on 01/29/2010

I ahd the shots with both my children, twice in my second pregnancy.. both my children were premmie but neither of them had any breathing problems nor trouble with their lungs.. I think there is more pro's than con's for this injection..

Delaney - posted on 01/29/2010

yeah i had 2 doses of the steroid shot and they helped. she still had SOME problems but nothing major. its amazing how much she was able to breathe on her own. she was born at 30 weeks and didnt need a vent or anything.

Amanda - posted on 01/29/2010

I had twins in 07 my due date wasn't until July but I started having contracctions with them in April so I was getting the steroid shots then and was taking maybe 3 a month. My twins were born at 1 months early and they both were over 5lbs and didn't have any complications I got to take them home

Sarah - posted on 01/29/2010

I had the shot at 31 weeks and my son only needed 12 hours of cpap and my daughter was on room air from the time they were born. Side effects none I know of. But they are doing new research that says the second one is not neccessary. But for now I would just do what the doctor says is right for your situation. My cousin had it and we thought the baby would come a few days later but he decided to stay in until almost full term and he is fine now

Sherrie-anne - posted on 01/28/2010

i had them at 24 weeks and my son wa born at 25 weeks it helped no end and he is alive to tell the tale i would not worry as the positives outway the negatives of the injections otherwise they would not be able to give them. just relax and know that they know what they are doing and that is helping your baby have the best start possible :)

Debbie - posted on 01/28/2010

I had my 3 all at 34 weeks. there where no side effects of the steriods, only one needed cpap. My first needed no assistance she was breathing when she came out, only needed the special care nursery because she needed to learn to suck and feed. my second a boy grunded, and my third who only got the seriods, a couple of days before his delivery needed, cpap.

Meryliana - posted on 01/28/2010

Hello my baby was 28 weeks because I had Preeclampsia and gave me steroids Saturday afternoon first and second on Sunday afternoon, all running the risk that my baby will not accept, because each injection should be in your body at least 24 hours and my baby was born early Monday morning and thank God I agree very well, just have faith that I can tell you more, since you had spent 2 ½ months internship in NICU AND THANK GOD HE IS VERY GOOD AND HEALTHY although people are so small are much stronger than oneself.

good luck and God bless

Amy - posted on 01/28/2010

my doc gave me the shots at 25 weeks. fortunately my baby held on there for a few more weeks. they do help! don't worry. as far as side effects, i don't really remember having any or my son having any. he ended up having a lot of respiratory problem anyway but i am certain that it would have been much worse without it

Leila - posted on 01/28/2010

i had them at 21 weeks and my son was born at 25 weeks i truely believe they helped him alot because he is still here almost 2 yrs later

Nicole - posted on 01/28/2010

Hi there,

First off thank you so much to everyone who answered!! I was asked a question of why she going to be born early by a couple of people so her it is..... :) I have gest. diab., Obstetric Cholestasis, low movement, and high fluid. My first daughter who is 17weeks was born Emergency C-section at 37weeks due to the Chole. So this time they are being safe vs. sorry, and delivering her at 36weeks.

Christina - posted on 01/28/2010

I was put into the hospital at 21 weeks and stayed there until i I had my son at 31 weeks. I had a total of 7 steriod injections and I think that it is due to me having them (even though i was unsure but did some research about it) that he came out soo well formed. His lungs were never a problem. In fact he only needed CPAP for one day. I know were were lucky - but you have to have faith in the doctors, especially at a time like this, that they truly know what they are doing. It will also take the pressure off you when you need to focus on being healthy and happy for your baby.. Take care

Kari - posted on 01/28/2010

well when i was pregnant with my first he had no amniotic fluid so his lungs where not developing they gave me steroid shots to help his lungs and he was born at 31 weeks they did help some what he was on oxygen for a few months when he was born but is now almost 2 and is doing great just has asthma

Mandy - posted on 01/28/2010

Yes I think they do help my little boy, was born at 30 weeks weighing #1 10oz., he was 10 weeks early, I had 2 shots myself, the earlier they give them the better off for the baby I had my shots a week or 2 before he was born. He only had to be on the Cpap for like the 24 hours then he was on room air no vent. So i have to say yes they do help alot and the sooner you get them the better for baby, especially if they already know you are delivering early. I was sick sick as it was I really couldn't tell you if there were side affects... hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!

Mindy - posted on 01/28/2010

This is comon. I had them because I had my first daughter 2 months early. Why will they be born at 36? With my 2nd child I took weekly progestern shots so she wouldnt come early

Connie - posted on 01/28/2010

I had these steroids @ about 30 weeks b/c I went into premature labor & they weren't sure they would be able to stop my contractions. My daughter Amirah was born @ 32 weeks and she was put on a vent for 6 days. Which appearantly is a really good time frame for a baby born @ 32 weeks. I think the steroids did help her alot! Who knows how long she would have been on a vent if I hadn't recieved the steroids. Also, don't be suprised if they give your baby surfactant after she's born it also helps the lungs..The worst part of my experience was that I couldn't hold her while she was on the vent :( Good Luck to you and your new baby girl:)

Monicquea - posted on 01/27/2010

I had them at 27 weeks b/c my daughter was going to be born early but it was just a question of how early. She ended up being born at 28 weeks, about 2-3 days after I received the shots. While in the NICU she spent at most a week on oxygen. But I have heard of babies that have had the shot and been on oxygen for a longer period of time. Everyone's experiences are different so just be aware of your body and respond to any changes that you may notice.

VANESSA - posted on 01/27/2010

yes it burns and my son didnt have any problems with his lungs at all he was 8 weeks early and my daughter i wish i could have gotten to the hospital sooner to get the shots was born at 26 weeks she had asthma and was on a nebulizar but now she's 6 years old hasnt needed asthma medication in three years so i think it does benifit the baby alot good luck and congrats

Jennifer - posted on 01/27/2010

I had the steriods 6 days before my daughter was born at 24 weeks. I think it helped her for being born so early. No side effects from either of us. I did have a tender backside for a few days after and bruises were the injections were, but I am sensitive to shots so that could have been to blame.

Amanda - posted on 01/27/2010

The shots really help, my son was born at 34 weeks and he came out breathing on his on and lungs was fully develop, so don't worry they work and they hurt really bad. Take care and I wish you the best.

Kimberly - posted on 01/27/2010

I had my son at 24 weeks. I was able to get the steroid shots before he was born. I had no side effects. He had no side effects. I think my son would not have survived without them. He is now 14. He has no medical issues. Good luck and God bless.

Sarah - posted on 01/27/2010

I had steroid shots at 32 weeks & delivered at 34 weeks (due to preeclampsia) I am thankful for my doctor's choice to give them to me. It meant that my daughter was born screaming & didn't need to be on oxygen. She was only in the NICU for 10 days, due to slow weight gain & holding her body temperature. I'm very glad that my doctor decided to give me steroid shots. There weren't any side effects.

Toni - posted on 01/27/2010

I was given steroids at 24 weeks and my daughter was born at 25 1/'2 weeks and I feel that if she didnt get those shots she would not have made it. She hasnt had any problems due to the shots. Hope this helps and God Bless!!
TONI

Brandy - posted on 01/27/2010

good luck! let us know how everything works out for you

Nicole - posted on 01/27/2010

Thank you all! I am hoping the shots did the trick I am still pg and hoping to go for three to four more weeks!!!!

Brandy - posted on 01/27/2010

i got the shots when i went into labor at 18 weeks. the doctor told me that they couldnt stop the labor and the chances were slim but gave me the shots to help his lungs. I got 2 shots that day. When my son was born his lungs were week but he is now 4 years old and very healthy! The shots help a lot!

Janet - posted on 01/31/2010

I received the steroid injections for preemies, and my 24 weeker did great, did not need the ventilator because I received 4 series of the shot. My 24 weeker is 10 years old with no medical problems. I feel because of the shots her lungs were developed much more than a 24 weeker. Lungs are primary issue for preemies that tends to be a long-term problem. 10 years later no side effects...Would do it again...

Amy - posted on 01/30/2010

Yes! The steroid injections for preemies help so much! My oldest daughter was born at 34 weeks. It was an unexpected early delivery. I did not have the steroids with her. She needed help to breathe. She is now 10 years old and has had asthma since birth. I went in to pre term labor with our second daughter at 28 weeks. I was given the 2 steroid shots at that time. Labor stopped thankfully and I carried her until 33 weeks. She came out screaming and needed no help breathing. She had no feeding problems either. She spent one week in the nicu for precautionary reasons. She came home at 4lbs 9 oz.. She was able to breastfeed without a problem. I think the steroid injections for preemies are amazing.