Help understand Betamethasone

[Tiny1Nisolet]

Hello guys,

I have a question regarding the use of Betamethasone in a patient with preterm labor symtoms. She is a friend of mine and has denied having the shots.

She is 29 weeks, multigravida and has been having discharge and intermittant cramping since this past Friday. She is ordered to be on complete bed rest at home. She has 2 other children.

I am confused on how Beta..works. If you give the shots and do not deliver within a week, is the shot unsuccessful? Why would you want the patient to deliver within that time period? I have also read that multiple shots are debatable as far as success rate. However, most patients recieve two shots, but any more than that can be debated. Is this correct?

Also, as far as the possible side effects are these correct: for mom, possible pulmonary edema and for baby possible hypoglycemia and neonatal sepsis? Are there any others? What are the real numbers. From what I have read in my textbook, they are slim. The information on the internet has been inconsistent. :Crash: I knew you guys could shed some light.

Thanks so much in advance for your assistance.

[wannabeL&D73]

Thanks so much everyone. After reading the replies and talking with one of my past instructors, I called her and we talked some more about the beta. She has agreed to get the shot and will be talking with her physician today. I knew she needed more information and felt that by getting the complete story her family would be able to make an informed decision. Thanks for helping me do that! (Bonus: I learned something too!)

This thread has been helpful to me too. Although it still makes me nervous to get it too soon if you don't end up needing it then...I would like to know under exactly what circumstances it should be given, but I realize every case is different. Thanks everyone who contributed! And best of luck to the OP's friend!

Shannon

[gypsyatheart]

I'd encourage to rethink her decision. I think the advantage to the baby, if she delivers @ this pt. are pretty darn good. The better the lungs, the better the outcome all around.

I think it would be good to focus on each day, not make decisions about "what if" the pregnancy goes further out. If it does, there will be different choices, but if it doesn't, she can't go back and take it.

If it were me, I'd grab the beta-meth, stay in bed w/my feet up, drink plenty of liquids, and follow all the other directions, too.

JMHO. If I had a pt who decided otherwise, I'd just take care of teh baby whenever it delivered and keep my mouth shut.

:yeahthat: Excellent post, prmenrs!

[Tiny1Nisolet]

Just a little update.. My friend decided to take the shots. I actually got to give them to her! It was really a great experience.:) Thanks so much for the posts everyone.