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Childbirth/betnesol injection

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Expert: - 2/19/2009


Question
Hi!
I'am in my 32nd week and my doctor has advised me to after 10 days for a betnesol injection.... I was detected with Gestational Diabetes in my 4th month of pregnancy and have been taking novorapid insulin since then. My levels have been under control but now and then my fasting blood sugar goes upto 113. I would like to know if there are any serious side effects of this injection and why am I being advised to take this injection.
An early reply will be thoroughly appreciated.
As I have to take the injection on the 28th of Feb.

Thanks.

Nupur.

Answer
Nupur,

Betnesol, or betamethasone, is a steroid injection administered during pregnancy when preterm birth is a possibility.  It would (should) have nothing to do with your diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, especially when your sugars are well under control.

The steroid injection helps to produce surfactant in the baby's lungs, allowing them to inflate without sticking together.  Normally, babies do not make this surfactant on their own until around 32-35 weeks.  

If your doctors are recommending this injection for you, they should have detected something that tells them your baby is at risk for premature birth.  

You should ask for documentation of why this shot is being recommended for you and what your alternatives are.  You haven't indicated any risk factors that would necessitate such an injection.

Betamethasone is not without risks; it can be lifesaving for premature babies, but it can have consequences on learning and development down the road.


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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