In long hard labor and don't know what to do.?

Question

My doctor put me on the medication Terbutaline to stop preterm labor. When I did research on the internet I found it wasn't approved by the FDA. Isnt my doctor required to inform me on that? I am now terrified of my daughter being born with the defects described by many different sites such as brain damage, autism, developmental delay, speech defects movement disorders and future conditions due to taking the medication. I was in the hospital yesterday (36 weeks pregnant now). They decided not to stop the labor. I dilated up to 3 cm then stopped. Then they sent me home. This has gone on for 2 months. We were given the idea the baby was coming and they were going to break my water. I was told a numerous amount of things that just never answered any of my questions. The docs and nurses were rude. I am extremely upset about the care I received and I don't even want to go back to that hospital but there isnt any other hospitals my area.

Answer 1

First, I want to say how sorry I am that you are having such a difficult time when this should be a time of great joy. Most OB doctors and nurses are the most helpful there are, but there are a few bad seeds in the barrel (I had one for baby #2). If you are not getting the answers you need or the care you feel you deserve, try calling your OB's office and speak with a nurse there to see how they can help you.

Now, as for Terbutaline, it was first approved by the FDA in 1974 as a bronchodilator for asthma, one of the other things Terbutaline does is that it relaxes smooth muscles, such as the uterus; however, other types of muscle may be stimulated to contract rather than relax.

No, Terbutaline has not been FDA approved specifically for pre-term labor BUT all of the things you mentioned, brain damage, autism, developmental delay, speech defects movement disorders and future conditions are MORE likely to be cause by a pre-term birth at 28 or 32 weeks. All of those things plus many more tend to occur at those gestational ages. The risks of those issues are MUCH lower with the medication than with a pre-term baby.

This is from Medicine Net:
PREGNANCY: Terbutaline reduces uterine contractions and may inhibit labor; unless it is used specifically for this purpose, it should be used cautiously during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Terbutaline is otherwise considered safe during pregnancy.

Sometime the risks of the medications are much smaller than they appear from a website. I did not have trouble with labor, but I do have chronic Migraine headaches. Two of the three medications I take for them were considered code "B", very low occurrences of birth defects, and one was code "C", risks unknown, but no clinical data to prove significant harm. How's that for comforting! We discussed this with my doctor and he said that the strain of my Migraines would have more effect on the baby than the risk the medicine posed. I ended up having 3 healthy, wonderful children.

You probably have had 3 of the most difficult months an expecting mother can have. You are now at a point where baby can do very well after delivery and the medicine is not worth another 2-3 weeks.

I pray all goes well and the next time you are at the hospital all treat you with the respect and care you deserve. Good Luck.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry you are in such a hard place right now. Yes, the use of terbutaline is very disputed but I do not know whether your doctor has a legal obligation to inform you about the drug before prescribing it--a lawyer would be better suited to answer that. As for what happened at the hospital, unfortunantly many hospitals are like that and that is the reason many women chose homebirth or birthing centers. Hospitals are often cold and impersonal. You are nearing the end of your pregnancy and I'm sure your emotions and hormones are running wild but what you need to do is just think about getting through the labor and delivery. It isn't too late to do as much research as you possibly can and even put together a birth plan and give a copy to EVERYONE who comes in your room at the hospital. Good luck to you and your family!

Answer 3

My sister has had two kids and was put on Terbutaline both times and her kids are perfect. She was on shots AND meds at home, she had a lot of the same problems it sounds like you are having. I would suggest you tell your regular doctor that you are uncomfortable with the treatment you have been receiving and next time you go in tell them "Look, i feel in the dark about a lot of things that you just aren't answering, this is what i want to know..." And be very specific. Good Luck!

Answer 4

its considered an off label use. if you check, terbutaline, aka albuteral, is not approved for use in kids under the age of ten but its one of the most used. also, misopristol is often used to induce, its a big no no. says do not use in pregnancy. it can cause uterine rupture.
i personally would not go to a hospital at all, but thats me and my comfort level(34 wk twins born unassistd at home, planned). even 36 wks can be iffy as far as lungs go. try to be patient, the babe will come when its ready.

Answer 5

they gave me terbutaline to stop my preterm labor with my third child. She suffered has no problems, but that is only one case. She was born at 37 weeks weighing in at 5 lbs, I am sorry you are having a bad experience that is not fair. Good Luck.

Answer 6

like you dont have enough to worry about.....if you are wanting to go into labor try having sex lay there for an hour the docs told me there is something in sperm that can start labor. nipple stimulation. take a walk. i was 2 weeks overdue with both my daughters.

Answer 7

I WOULD ASK SOME ONE DRIVE ME TO THE NEXT NEAREST HOSPITAL. I WOULD NOT GO BACK. I WOULD ALSO CALL A LAWYER ABOUT THE MEDICINE THEY GAVE YOU. GOOD LUCK.