38 weeks planned c section - Steroid injection?

[PrincessGurn1984]

I’m currently 34+1 with our IVF miracle and having a planned c section at 38 weeks (had complicated emergency c section with first child) but they’ve said they offer an optional steroid injection if you deliver planned before 39 weeks which can apparently help with breathing for baby IF they have fluid on lungs and baby doesn’t push it out themselves naturally (think I’ve got the right! Or not lol). They said it’s optional, there is some research they said where it leans to causing mental health issues/ADHD issues when they are older as a result. So I’m really confused now on what to do. They said it’s more likely before 35 weeks to get the injection but not shown to definitely do anything after that point. So I’m really confused basically lol. Has anyone else had this offered? Am proper on the fence. Thanks

[Peony85]

I’m 31 weeks so a little bit behind you but am having a C Section at 38+5. It’s a bit self inflicted as I wanted the same doctor I had for my first (which was unplanned CS but not yet an emergency situation), and he’s on vacation from the day after. He said it was at the limit of where he felt comfortable with it, but was happy to do it on this date. My baby has also been measuring ahead by about a week since we had the 12 week scan so that has provided some reassurance. I have not had steroids mentioned (yet) but did some research on it as I agonizing over the decision to go a bit early. The irony is, my doctor pushed induction in the 39th week with my first due to IVF and also being over 35 so it just feels like a fine line and how much can 2 days really impact?

So what I’ve read is that there is a higher rate of respiratory issues at birth but it’s hard to tell how much as the studies are all quite different and look at ranges. And even with that the percentages are still pretty low (one I looked at was 10% at 37 weeks). Which makes me think a lot of it is probably a bit of unlucky and situational but so hard to tell in advance. The other thing I’ve considered is that with IVF babies, we know exact dates but with most of these studies they probably have a lot of non IVF which means the dates aren’t really an exact science anyway (maybe that’s just me trying to make myself feel better!)

This probably isn’t helpful just to say I completely understand being on the fence and I have thought about this too and also would be. It’s just so hard to tell what’s going to happen. I would be interested in whether they showed you any data and also what you decide XX

[PrincessGurn1984 in reply to Peony85]

I’ve had a similar situation, I was also hoping for the same surgeon who delivered my son 8 years ago but he’s on holiday! 🤦🏽‍♀️☹️ and he doesn’t feel comfortable me waiting til he is back. So I’m having it at 38+3. Not going to have the shot, it’s so close to that 39 week cut off point I don’t think there’s enough proof of it showing benefit x

[Peony85 in reply to PrincessGurn1984]

I just had an appointment with my consultant and I asked him about steroids… he said it used to be more commonly done but in recent years much less as he believes the evidence clearly points to the risk / benefit not being in favor unless someone goes into labor before 36 weeks. Such tough decisions especially when different medical professionals have different views of the evidence, but I’m also feeling comfortable about being close enough to 39 weeks. Xx

[PrincessGurn1984 in reply to Peony85]

Thanks for this that’s really useful to know his view, we’ve decided to not have it as I’ll be 37+3, I think that’s close enough to full term x

[Pnw2020]

Hi. In case you haven’t come across these links:

rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/...

cochrane.org/CD006614/PREG_...

I think it’s important that you feel comfortable with the decision either way. I personally opted not to have the steroid injections for a planned c-section at 37 week (twins).

[PrincessGurn1984 in reply to Pnw2020]

Thank you! That link was a really interesting read xx

[DianeArnold Partner]

Hi.steroid to ensure baby’s lungs are mature. This is often just precautionary. Good luck,Diane

[PrincessGurn1984 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks! X

[Livinginhope101]

Hiya. I was pregnant with twins and offered the steroid injection when I was having mild contractions at 29 weeks, then again at 31 weeks. Both times, I opted not to based on a quick Google search that showed the same negative impact as you've read. However, when my waters broke at 34 weeks I went to hospital and again was offered the steroids. I talked to my consultant about it and he said the study I'd read about was based on something else (can't remember details of what he said, but will have a think and update you if I do remember!) and that there were few risks. My husband and I reasoned that a baby not breathing was more serious than the slight chance of adhd. As it was, they gave me the injection but I delivered my twins only a few hours later so I didnt have the 2nd dose and I'm not even sure whether there was even enough time for the 1st dose to reach my babies!One of my babies had to spend 48 hours in the NICU on oxygen and other things. My other twin was fine.

My understanding is that a baby born BEFORE 37 weeks might need it, but after that you should be fine x

[Livinginhope101 in reply to Livinginhope101]

Oh, and forgot to say, I was induced with my first child at 39 weeks and wasn't offered any steroids x

[PrincessGurn1984 in reply to Livinginhope101]

Thanks for you reply, I’ve really been thinking about it and we’ve decided not to have it. Our c section date has come through and I’ll be 38+3 so it’s really close to 40 weeks in any case so I don’t think the benefits really show proof of it being worth it that late on in the development of the baby/pregnancy. Thanks as your view really helped me level it all up in my mind x

[ChelWestie]

had augmentation at 36+4 after waters breaking at 35+5, no steroid injection offered and had beautiful healthy baby girl. (IVF 5DFET) she is now 13days old and thriving and hardy. ✨

[PrincessGurn1984 in reply to ChelWestie]

Thanks I’ve opted not to have it, doesn’t seem to have any benefit after 37 weeks x