You are here:

Childbirth/child birth and betamethasone

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/6/2009


Question
My wife is in her 34th week of pregnancy. LMP is 11/12/2008. EDD 19.09.2009. BP 120/180Hg, Haemoglobin : 10.5, weight 56 kg. No history of Diabetes / BP.This is her second pregnancy. first was a caeserian section delivery on 17th June 2003.

As per USG on 27th July 2009
Foetal heart rate : 144.73, weight 2126gms, placenta grade III anterior, fundal in location, liquor amnai-adequate, EDD 15.09.2009.

However, our doctor has suggested Betnesol injection - 12mg for two days.
It is a steroid,and not free from side effect. Is it necessary ? How safe is it ? We dont see any sign of pre-mature delivery ( USG report). But our doctor has given us a period from 25th august to 5th sept as expected date of delivery. Can we blindly follow our doctor ? Why is she suggesting an early date by almost two weeks ?

Please advise us . Very little time is left, so kindly let us know your suggestions at the earliest.

Answer
Saurav,


You'll have to ask your doctor these questions.  I can't read her mind to know why she's suggesting it.

There's nothing you've listed that would indicate a premature delivery, so you'll need to ask her why she thinks its necessary, the risks and benefits of the injection and any side effects to expect.  You'll also have to ask her why she suspects an early delivery.


No, you do not have to blindly follow her, especially if she can't give you a good reason to do so.



Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.