26 weeks pregnant and given steroid injections to mature my babys lungs, why so early?

Question

Hi, I had acute liver failure 2 yrs ago, and I am 26 weeks pregnant. My Liver Function Test results show that it is returning, as I have developed severe itching. I had my Anti-natal appointment today and they have put me on Urso and Vitamin K, the main thing I am most worried about is that my doctor gave me Steroid injections to mature my unborn babys lungs, why have they given it me so early, is there a strong chance of my baby being delivered early? I know there is a good chance that my baby will survive this early but it is still a worry as the doctors have'nt really told me much about what is going to happen, just that they gave me the steroids (JUST IN CASE) I dont know what going on. Is there anyone out there that may know anything about what is happening?

My Liver Function Test Results were:
Bilarubin - 38
Alk Phosphate - 318
Alt - 35

Please can anyone help me?

Answer 1

Sounds that way they just want to be prepared incase the baby has to come early and giving every chance it can to survive. They want to take precautions and do what they can to make sure your baby is delivered healthy and that they can get you healthy to. They don't want to lose either of you and that is why they are starting the shots now in case something drastic has to be considered.

Answer 2

Well your doctor may have a feeling that you will deliver before term. He may just be giving you the shot as a precautionary measure. If you have had an ultrasound recently he may have seen something to cause him discomfort, such as the babies lungs or heart. Its obviously nothing serious that can't be help or he would have told you. Doctors have a bad habit of not telling their patients whats going on if they dont see any problems, so next time you see him, ask. Its the only way you will find out for sure what is going on. Dont be shy about this, this is your baby and you have EVER right in the world to know whats going on! Good luck!

Answer 3

Only your doctor can answer this one, but I'd guess that you're right, they think there's a fair chance that the baby might need to be delivered early.

Don't panic, phone and ask your doctor why and what the chances are - tell him you're more worried about not knowing than you would be by the truth! It might just be a standard precaution for someone with your medical problem. But the best thing you can do right now has to be to stay calm and carry on being healthy, the longer your baby carries on growing inside you the better.

Good luck and I hope you can carry your baby to term.

Answer 4

i know when everything is happening so fast you never have time to ask or get all the info. at ure next gyno appt. check with ure dr. and start off by apologizing say "im sorry but i need to just take some of ure time and ask what is going on here? why are u giving me these steroids EXACTLY and are there any consequences? what are the statistics with this medicine etcetc" i only had to get a shot for being A- but i neverunderstood what it meant or why and i read that my next baby could suffer the consequences if i didnt take it so eventually i told my dr that i needed to fully understand what i had and why i needed these 2 shots and he was more than willing. just slow everythign down in ure next visit and take the time to fill ureself in i felt so much better when i did.

Answer 5

OK I don't know much but I know that increased bilarubin levels in your body/babies body could cause permanent brain damage. So I guess if your body has increased levels, your baby does too. Your Dr. is doing the right thing.
Don't worry, my friend had to get the steroid shots for her and her baby. They both ended up fine.

Accumulation of bilirubin in certain brain regions, a phenomenon known as kernicterus, with consequent irreversible damage to these areas manifesting as various neurological deficits, seizures, abnormal reflexes and eye movements.

Kernicterus is a severe form of jaundice. Don't be surprised if your baby has jaundice when he/she is born.

Answer 6

Sounds that way they just want to be prepared incase the baby has to come early and giving every chance it can to survive. They want to take precautions and do what they can to make sure your baby is delivered healthy and that they can get you healthy to. They don't want to lose either of you and that is why they are starting the shots now in case something drastic has to be considered

Answer 7

Always demand that your doctors be totally up front with you and tell you exactly what is going on.

With your possible return of liver failure they gave you the cortisone shots to prepare your baby for a possible early termination of your pregnancy. It sounds like they are being proactive for your health and the health of your child.

Answer 8

Hello,

I was pregnant, had complications and had the suture for incompetent cervix, chances were not good. I got the shots for steriods at 24 weeks and then at 32 weeks. For me, they were worried my son would come early despite the suture. He did, he arrived at 35 weeks but he was a healthy 6lb8oz boy and only stayed in the hospital for 3 days to receive treatment for infection(I had my water broken by the doc).

Answer 9

you run a very high chance of premature delivery. Cholestasis of the liver is likely the cause of the itch, and many babies have to be takes early since it increases the risk of stillbirth. Talk to your dr more, you need to be better informed about what you are facing. Good luck

Answer 10

i just asked my mom about this and she said it doesnt sound very good. she's been an RN for almost 15 years. you should have asked your doctor and made them tell you what the deal was. i was told to do this by my OB dr to my endocrine doctor (diabetes doctor) because i called him with concern while he helped me to feel better about it he told me i should never leave the office or hang up the phone with them not knowing why they are doing something. call the doctor, either one, and ask what the deal is. even make an appointment to follow up.......you should never leave an office or hang up the phone not knowing why they are doing something or not completely understanding