What are the side effects of steroids in pregnancy for the mother?

Understanding the Side Effects of Steroids in Pregnancy for Mothers
The use of steroids during pregnancy, particularly corticosteroids, is a complex issue that can lead to various side effects for the mother. While these medications are often administered to enhance fetal lung maturity in cases of preterm labor, they are not without risks.
Short-Term Effects on Maternal Health
One of the immediate concerns for mothers receiving corticosteroids is the increased risk of infections. Studies indicate that multiple courses of corticosteroids can lead to a higher incidence of conditions such as endometritis, which is an inflammation of the uterine lining, and chorioamnionitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the fetus . These infections can pose significant health risks not only to the mother but also to the developing fetus.
Additionally, mothers may experience minor side effects such as pain at the injection site if the steroids are administered via injection. For those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, corticosteroids can complicate blood sugar control, leading to further health challenges during pregnancy.
Long-Term Implications and Risks
Long-term use of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, has been associated with an increased likelihood of preterm delivery and low birth weight in infants. This raises concerns about the overall health and development of the baby, which can indirectly affect the mother’s emotional and physical well-being.
Moreover, the potential for birth defects has been noted, with some studies suggesting a correlation between steroid exposure and conditions like cleft lip and palate. While the evidence remains inconsistent, the implications for maternal health and the future of the child are significant.
Psychological and Emotional Effects
The psychological impact of steroid use during pregnancy should not be overlooked. The stress of managing potential side effects, coupled with the anxiety surrounding the health of the fetus, can lead to emotional strain for expectant mothers. This emotional burden can be exacerbated by the physical side effects of the medication, creating a challenging experience for many women.
Conclusion
In summary, while corticosteroids can be beneficial in certain pregnancy-related situations, they carry a range of potential side effects for mothers. From increased risks of infections and complications to emotional stress and concerns about fetal health, the implications of steroid use during pregnancy are profound. It is crucial for healthcare providers to weigh these risks against the benefits when considering corticosteroid therapy for pregnant women.

In which week are baby’s lungs fully developed?

By 36 weeks, your baby’s lungs are fully formed and ready to take their first breath after the birth. The digestive system is fully developed and your baby will be able to feed if they’re born now.

Do steroids affect fetal growth?

Some animal- and human-based studies have shown that infants exposed to exogenous steroids have lower birth weights, smaller head circumference, and shorter overall length than those not exposed to steroids (Jobe et al.

What are the side effects of taking prednisone while pregnant?

The use of prednisone during pregnancy is associated with a slight increase in the risk of cleft lip or palate, low birth weight, and premature birth.

What are the side effects of steroids in pregnancy for babies?

Negative fetal effects of antenatal corticosteroids are a reduction of fetal body and breathing movements and a reduction of fetal heart rate variation, without any changes in Doppler waveform patterns of fetoplacental vessels.

Can steroids during pregnancy cause autism?

Higher estradiol and lower sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were significantly associated with increased ASD risk. Study findings provide preliminary evidence to link greater placental estradiol activity with ASD and support future investigations of the prenatal steroid environment in ASD.

How do steroids make babies feel?

Your child may complain of having a headache or feeling dizzy. Steroids can cause a temporary increase in blood sugar levels. Look out for increased thirst and wanting to go to the toilet more often than usual.

What are the undesired effects of steroids during pregnancy?

If you are given steroids and are more than 35 weeks pregnant there is a chance that your baby may have low blood sugar levels after they are born. Low blood sugar can be harmful for babies if it is not treated and can mean your baby needs to be admitted to the neonatal unit.

What are the side effects of steroid injections in pregnancy for mothers?

Commonly reported side-effects after taking steroids are: • Flushing of the mother’s face and chest. Some glucose appearing in the mother’s urine for a day or two. Some difficulty in getting off to sleep at night for one or two days. Some reduction in the baby’s movements for about 24 hours.

What happens if a pregnant woman takes steroids?

Women taking a systemic corticosteroid in pregnancy may have a higher chance of having a preterm birth.

When should I stop taking steroids during pregnancy?

When are corticosteroids not necessary? It is not necessary to receive corticosteroids if birth is not expected to be born within the next 7 days. A course of antenatal corticosteroids is not routinely recommended after 35 weeks of pregnancy.