Got my first steroid shot today

I went to my OB apt. today and since my dr is on Vacation I met with the Nurse Practitioner.....(thank God!) I had called the OB last week when my Peri laxidasically mentioned that my cervix was now at 1.5 cm from 2.4 two weeks prior and 4.3 four weeks prior. his advise "so try to keep ya feet up"!.....My OB didn't call me back. I went to the NP today and found out that my cervix was also funneling last week but noone mentioned it to me. She was shocked I hadn't gotten the steroids yet so called labor and delivery and the peri's office and sent me over to get it today, she also checked my cervix and she thinks its about 1 cm dialated so she wants me to try to stay off my feet as much as possible (not so easy with a four year old) but I have all day while he's at preschool=) Now I go back in tomorow for the second one.

What exactly does the beta steroid shot do? Does it mature their lungs while there in me or only if they are born in the next week?

If the babies come at 32/33 weeks what are the biggest health risks?

Anybody have any experiences they can share?.......I'm trying to stay in bed as much as possible but with DH working two full time jobs its imposible between 4-7 when I have DS....We have switched to spagettio's and such and baths are down to ever few days but I still have to handle bed time and getting up for this and that. Luckily my mom is taking my son out saturday morning and then coming over and cleaning p my house since my nesting feeling are driving me crazy in my bed.

 

I am so happy that the NP sent you to go get the shot. :hug: :hug: I'm shocked that the doctors didn't mention it last week. :angry: I have no experience with the shots or anything, just wanted to send some good vibes your way. :hug: :hug:

 

I too am shocked it was not mentioned earlier to you. I don't remember how long it's good for, but can tell you my experience with it. I got my first 2 shots and then 10 days later Emilie was born at 25w3d and she went on a vent for 4 days. She never had any lung or breathing issues in the NICU or ever. Trevor was born 20 days after my shots and he NEVER went on a vent, he was born at 26w6d. He also has never had any breathing or lung issues. They had a very easy NICU stay considering how early they were. I truly believe the steroid shots helped my two immensely. :good:

 

My boys were born at 33 wk 1 day and I had the shots the week before. Ryan was on forced air (CPAP) for one day, but after that neither were on lung support. I also believe the shots saved their lives, and made our NICU time shorter. Feel free to PM me about any 33 week ?'s you have! FWIW: Every day they stay inside you is 3 less days in the NICU. Stay in bed EVERY second you can!

 

We're having a similar experience. My wife's cervix started shortening at 26 weeks @ 2.2cm. The last time they checked it was around 3.8. So she got her first set of shots then. Last monday we went for our latest check up and she shortened to 1.5 so they set up another round of shots. We're 30 weeks today. When I asked why we needed a second round of shots our specialist said there only good for about 3 weeks. And it's for after there born to improve there lung development. So we're just hoping they stay in there. It's very encouraging to hear of all the stories of pre-term deliveries and how so many little ones have had no long term problems. Keep those stories coming!

 

:hug: I am so so happy that you got the steroid shots! I got them at 24 weeks when I first went into PTL and despite being born at 28 weeks, Kylee was only on a vent for one night and Kaylyn for 3 nights. I strongly believe the shots made a huge difference in speeding along the maturity of their lungs. If you are funneled and dilated, I would put yourself on strict bedrest. It is still really early to be having your babies if you can avoid it. Good Luck!! :hug: