Please Help with steroids and preterm labour

Hi there I havent posted for a while now but keep checking in. My daughter has had previous problems throughout this pregnancy and is now 26 + 3. She has been diagnosed with an irritable uterus and has had many stays in hospital throughout. For three days she has had strong and consistant contractions and was admitted to hospital. She was given the fibronectin test and it was negative. Also nifedopene and steroids injections (hope the spelling is correct) She is now worried about the side effects. She asked the dr and he was casual about it all and evasive. Has anyone has similar problems? Thankyou in advance for replies.

Hi Grannyh,
I had steroid injections (4 in total) from around 26 wks gestation. Also I was on nifedapine for about 3 weeks multple times a day. I had PE, so preterm labour was always a given with me it was just a matter of how long I could last. My DD was born @ 31 wks and was breathing on her own from the moment she popped out. Without the steroids to help mature her lungs along she may have been fully ventilated or on CPAP when born. Steroids help their lungs mature to produce surfactant. A premature baby's lungs without surfactant can be scarred by ventilation and CPAP. An example would be my sisters DD. She was born @ 26+6, with just 24-36 hours for one steroid injection to try help her along. My little neice was ventilated from birth. Home after 100 odd days in hospital and now has a condition called CLD because of the ventilation.
I cant say my DD has had any noticable side effects from either drugs that you spoke of and I was on a lot more than just those two. But for what it's worth IMO the pro's outwiegh the cons if there is a chance you are going to have a prem bub then you are better off for the baby's sake to have the steroids.

Thankyou tiffany
It will be the biggest relief when she holds this baby in her arms. As there has been complications from the start of her pregnancy. After reserch I think you are right as the pros outweigh. I have become one of those mothers who are no support at all as I am in a constant state of stress. Your reply is much appreciated thankyou :p

Hi GrannyH and welcome to Belly Belly. I am sorry your daughter is having such a rough ride - you are a beautiful Soul to be taking all the time and care to research for her.

Steroids are necessary for a baby so preterm as your daughters little one. The risks are to the mother much more so than the baby. The risks to the mother you can google - I will paste some info later in the morning (I am typing between cleaning my bathroom! :rolleyes:)

A baby born prior to 30 weeks even with steroids on board will likely have chronic lung disease. It's just a fact for most grossly preterm babies. (prior to 30 weeks) Steroids won't stop that occuring prior to about 30 weeks gestation. (sometimes after 30 weeks babies will still have CLD) They will help develop the surfactant & what is colloquially termed "mature" the lungs. This gives the baby the best chance of a less rough beginning.

Does your daughter know the sex of her baby?

My baby was born at 27.5weeks and she weighed 815grams. I also had 4 steroidal injections. Imogen has chronic lung disease and was on cpap for about 10 weeks. She gets chest infections constantly and winters are hellish for me and her... She is still a tiny wee girl - but the feistiest little bundle that I have ever met. She is larger than life. With the oxygen she was given I was fearful of it affecting her eyesight and hearing - both of which are fabulous. She is slow to meet physical milestones and due to the tubing (when babies have oral tubes it can affect their speech development) is having difficulty forming words. Though, she knows exactly what she wants and understands what is said to her. She can follow complex instructions (can you tell I am a nurse! ;)) but cannot say many words at almost 2. She is still not walking but is almost there!

So, if this little bubba of yours can hold on a couple of more weeks her/his chances of survival are greatly increased and the chances of long term problems are greatly decreased.

If you need any information or contacts please don't hesitate to post.

Prayers and positive thought being sent to your daughter, grandchild and you.. :hug:

Hi flowerchild, It still seems strange I have resorted to forums to info but you have no idea how it has helped. Yes my daughter is having a boy. She has been having weekly scans from 6 weeks as she has had many complications. Previous to this pregnancy she had 5 M/C and 1 ectopic so her stress levels are already at max. She wont rest until she has him in her arms. Her husband is the most wonderful support and has just been a rock. Thankyou in advance for the info and now all we do is wait. I wish Imogen and your family all the best now and in the future. Thank god she has a mother such as you. After reading some of these stories ours doesnt seem as bad as we first thought but unsettling never the less. Have a great day and thanks for your time.
:p

I am glad you have found comfort - I know well how comforting it is to find some answers. I lost 3 babies in the second trimester and had 3 miscarriages prior to Imogen's pregnancy. The anxiety your daughter is feeling is normal and natural given her circumstances.
Another 3-4 weeks in utero will be fabulous for your grandson - day at a time. Each day he spends in utero is a big plus.

Thinking of you all... :hug:

Dearest grannyh. Hello, and welcome. I'm sorry it's under these circumstances.

I don't know if I can help much with the specific medical details, but I just wanted to share with you that I am currently in hospital on bedrest for pre-term labour, and have had steriod injections to mature my babies' lungs (i'm having twin boys) and also on nifedipine 4 x daily to stop contractions.

This is my second hospitalisation for pre-term labour, and am now 31w+2d. My first hospitalisation was at 28w. I was initially a bit worried about side-effects / complications also, but realised that I had no choice if I wanted to give my babies the best chance to do well so early. The benefits seem to outweigh the potential risks. It's still a scary position to be in.

I am enjoying hearing my babies strong heartbeats 4 or 5 times a day when I get my obs done, and they seem just fine in there wriggling about. This keeps me sane and smiling :)

I am hoping with all my heart that your daughters little one stays put just a little longer, but as you've read from above, even tiny little ones can survive and do well. We are very lucky indeed to live in a country with such available and good quality healthcare.

Lots of thoughts, love, and hugs to all of you
Jen