Preterm labor is not something that impacts the majority of the population. Still, it does happen commonly enough that doctors in obstetrics have researched and found some of the best ways to keep preterm infants alive. One in ten newborns is born prematurely in the United States. This can occur due to dozens of things, including lifestyle, stress levels, hormones, infection, one's medical history, and fetal anomalies, amongst other things.
What Happens When a Baby's Born Prematurely?
Many implications can occur due to a child being born prematurely. Some of these things include hearing impairment, nervous system development issues, behavioral difficulties, learning disabilities, and more. The most serious implication is death. Prematurity is the top cause of infant mortality in the United States. In most cases, a baby born at 24 weeks gestation can live and survive if born at a well-equipped hospital. But even with all of our technological advances and research, still one in four babies born between 22-28 weeks gestation will not survive their hospitalization.
Why Are Steroids Administered?
Because of these heart-wrenching statistics and the possible implications that can impact premature infants across the span of their lifetime, doctors in obstetrics have come up with specific protocols when preterm labor is threatening that just might be enough to save a life. One of these protocols is administering antenatal steroids between weeks 24-33 that can speed up the baby's development, specifically, maturing the lungs.
If a family is considering resuscitation for their newborn upon their early arrival, the best recommendation would be to get the administration of corticosteroids at least seven days before delivery if at all possible. More than two doses of corticosteroids are not recommended because they can cause further issues. Still, research has found that the two doses can have a significant impact on breathing issues, brain bleeding, and developmental delays. On the flip side, there are risks to steroids. These include gut issues, a more significant infection increase, and possible developmental delays.
What Should You Do?
The decision on whether or not to administer the corticosteroid and resuscitate a preterm infant is entirely that of the family. It comes down to personal values and choices nobody else can make for you. But, if you do decide to go in the direction of allowing staff to resuscitate your newborn, considering the corticosteroids could be highly beneficial in the long-term.
As with any pregnancy decision, researching and figuring out what you feel best about is crucial. Most individuals will not have regrets if they feel strongly about their choice and know it was made with research backing it. No matter the decision, these circumstances are heartbreaking. Take time to feel your feels as you make decisions that feel bigger than you or I or anyone else. This is hard and big and something no parent should ever have to do. Deep breaths. You are not alone.
