32wks & already starting to dialate! HELP...I need some opinions! Can I DEMAND a steriod shot?

[prayerful wife]

I went in on Friday for a non-stress test.  While I was at the doctors office the nurse came in and asked "do you feel those contractions?"  I told her of course I felt them but they're the same intensity as the ones I have everyday.  She told me they were registering off the charts.  So the doc called me into the office to check my cervix and I'm a fingertip dialated and 50% effaced.  

What scares me is the fact that I'm only 32wks and he told me that he wouldnt stop me again if I started to go into labor.  He said that b/c he's given me so much Terbutaline, and I have been on the MAG drip a few times that he's medicated the baby to his comfort level and clearly my son has a mind of his own and he's coming when he wants to.

I asked him was he going to give me any steriods just in case.  B/c I had a shot of steriods a few wks ago (on my hospital tour) that I wouldnt need anymore.  I'm not sure how I felt about this b/c I remember when I had my son at 30wks I received several shots to help with lung development.

How many of you know anything about this?  I at least would like to make it to 35wks for my own comfort level.  Can I demand the steriods??  Please let me know!

[peekawho]

I will say, in response to the comments about lung maturity, that at 32 weeks, it is NOT true that the lungs are 99% mature.  If this were the case, there would be absolutely no need for a preterm infant to ever go to NICU.  The rate of SURVIVAL is excellent at 32 weeks, but make no mistake about it--the lungs are generally NOT mature at that gestational age.  A preterm baby needs supportive care, respiratory support, nutritional support, and support for the myriad of other problems that often accompany preterm infants.   Many premature babies do very well with little help.  The fact that one or two people here in magical Med Help land know of a couple severely preterm infants who have done well should not impact your decisions about your own pregnancy and medical care.

That said, if you have had frequent bouts of preterm labor, a doctor, who is the ONLY one who is familiar with your particular history, may decide not to pursue tocolysis again.  Steroid injections are not repeated after week 34.  If you have had a course of steroids in the preceding 2-3 weeks prior to your current situation, the doctor may choose not to repeat another course unless he/she feels strongly it is indicated.  

Yes, you can have contractions that do not go on to result in preterm birth.  But you and your doctors are the only ones who can decide on your medical and obstetric care.  Unfortunately, we are not very good at knowing what contractions to worry about.  Have you had a fetal fibronectin test?  This test is often used to help the decision making process about preterm contractions.

Best of luck to you.

[JoyRenee]

You can stay dilated for weeks, with or without strong contractions. So I wouldn't worry! He sounds confident and apparently your little ones lungs may be perfectly fine. I had a niece born at 36 weeks and she was fine, just tiny!

[natemomma27]

i think at this point the baby is wonderful and your doctor seems confident...to help ease ur mind, i was 32 wks and was 3cm and 70% effaced for 5 WEEKS before I actually gave birth to my 2nd son. It took forever to actually go into labor! the whole 'the 2nd one comes quicker, faster' was BS in my case. just follow up with your doctors and relax! best of luck!!!

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I don't think you can demand the steroid shot, but you are ALWAYS free to get a second opinion from another doctor.  Even though you are a finger tip and 50% effaced doesn't mean you will go into full blown labor anytime soon but at the same time it could be anytime.  There's no telling.  At 32 week your son has a very excellant chance of not having any problems were he to be born now.  I would do as the others suggested....stay home, rest, stay off your feet, make everyone pamper you for the next few weeks.  The gravity of standing, any type of excercise (such as walking) will only increase your already high chances of preterm labor.  So, get several good books, the tv remote, tons of pillows and get comfy :)  Try to relax.  

[MOM23ANGELS25F]

Everything is ok hon.. Calm down.. Your at 32 weeks' which means the baby's lungs are 99% mature.. So if the baby is born now, then he or she will be ok..... Do'nt worry.. It's not big deal hon.. Your baby will be healthy and fine..... 32 weeks is not that much of a diff. Your baby is ready to come out........

[Motherof2girls2boys]

All sounds okay to me, you don't want to many meds! My cuz had a baby @ 28 weeks and he is a perfect healthy 6yr old! I also have a friend who just had a baby in Dec. she wasn't due until March. They tried to stop her labor a few times and then the Doc just let her go. He said since the meds didn't work for more than a day or two at a time then it was probably the baby letting them know that something was wrong. After the baby was born, (A healthy baby girl that only stayed in hp for a week & half!) they ran some test on the placenta and it turned out that there was a clot on the placenta! Good thing baby came when she did!

[loismwallace]

I just read this morning that at 33 wks the lungs are 99% mature. I'm sure you will be fine. With my last baby I was the same. I started dialating at 26 wks and I still carried until I was 38 wks on bed rest. Keep your chin up.

[sexyhot_dandy]

well from wat u said it seems ur doctor did wat he can to much medicine is not good my sister is havin the same problem she is only 25 or 26 wks and 4 cms dialted she in the hospital on bed rest her water bag is also hangin out her cervix she was given shots steriods and everything they could give her so the baby has a chance to survive if he comes now her son is ready all now he is head down he kicks the **** out of her she was told if she dilates more or her bag break they aint stoppin it say a prayer and hope u reach 35 wks it's goin to be hard try to stay off ur feet stay in bed of u can hope this helps u should be fine though