Steriod shot reactions

[jennashell]

Nope, I didn't have them the first two times. The first time was an emergency, general anesthesia, non stop seizures etc. The second time I made it to 35 +6 and the baby's lungs were fine

I should have a while for delivery though, I'm not having any symptoms yet I am glad to hear that one shot is better than none! Thanks!!

[mandy1227]

I am wishing you the best and hope you can wait longer for delivery. I had a baby at 29 weeks and 2 days in 2006. When I got the steroid injections, I did not have any reactions to it, however I'm fairly certain the physician said one shot was better than none. One of these days I hope to have another baby. I have waited partly out of fear, but also because we were not at a place to be ready. After reading some very inspiring stories here the last few years though I hope I have the courage to do it again. I would love to have another baby. Good luck to you.
Mandy

[angieb]

Interesting! I guess you didn't have them the first time around?

I think one shot is better than none, and better to get it, even earlier than necessary, than not at all, too. It seems doctors have such widely varying opinions on this, I know some that aren't doing them at all for high risk women until/unless trouble starts. I'm hoping I can get my MFM to give them at 32-34 weeks for "just in case" (I already know she'll give them if there starts to be any trouble). I guess there's no real consensus on a protocol.

[jennashell]

Thanks for the replies. I have no underlying disorders, or any other issues just yet. We live way out in the country, and the doc suggest all high risk women get them at 28 weeks. With #1, and #2 even when I showed signs, they never gave me the shot, so I thought it was a good idea to get the shot. Then, after the bad reaction, the one doctor told me that the steriod shots had never been proven to help anyway. Umm...that didn't sound right to me.

But, I'm still thankful I'm not having any pe symptoms so far, and I am now a little over 29 weeks

mrss-what an awful reaction! I'm so sorry you that happened!! It makes me feel much better about my reaction, as after a few days I'm now back to normal.

[mrss]

I had a bad reaction to the shots. It's very uncommon. To the best of everyone's guess/understanding, I had a dormant virus in my system. The combination of funky autoimmune issues (pregnancy & pre-e) combined with the steroids let the virus create havoc. It damaged the motor nerves in my right arm and I lost the use of my arm for about 6 weeks until the nerves grew back.

[rebecca2]

Wow, that sucks. I'm really surprised they gave them to you already before you are showing any symptoms (unless there's something else you didn't mention?) The shots are a lot more effective when they are given the same week as delivery, though I can understand why they want you to get them! I hope you feel better.

Both of my previous pregnancies were delivered prematurely, so I was (am) hoping to get the shots just in case it happens again. I talked to my MFM last week about getting them "just in case" and he basically said the same thing Angie just mentioned. He did say we could discuss it again as the pregnancy progresses, since there doesn't appear to be any significant risks associated with the shots. So, no, I don't think not getting the 2nd shot will hurt your baby, since it doesn't sound like you're showing any symptoms or need to deliver anytime soon.

[angieb]

Wow, that sucks. I'm really surprised they gave them to you already before you are showing any symptoms (unless there's something else you didn't mention?) The shots are a lot more effective when they are given the same week as delivery, though I can understand why they want you to get them! I hope you feel better.

[jennashell]

So, I've made it to 28 1/2 weeks and due to the other 2 pregancy the docs decided to give me the steriod shots just in case. We were told that there were no side effects........so......I went in and got a shot to the haunch .........a few hours later I swelled up like crazy and started having hives from my face all the way down to my feet. We had to call the hospital etc. etc. They were really suprised I had a bad reaction. I've never had hives before or anything. They said it was too dangerous to give me a second shot.

Anyone else have this happen? Will it hurt the baby not to have the second shot?

So far my bp was crazy good 104/64 (which is unbelieveable, by now it's usually around 130/90), no protein, no swelling. Hoping I can make it far enough to not have needed the shot.