Jean - just went through a preterm labor scare myself (because of
strong preterm contractions); thankfully my daughter was born only 2
1/2 weeks early--which isn't even technically "premature"-- rather
than 3 months early, as she threatened to do. What you're referring
to are probably steroids that they give within 48 hours of imminent
birth to improve chances of survival outside the womb (empirical
studies show that it does work). However, I did a lot of reading of
online medical articles while I was on bedrest (and boy did I think
of several important multiple regressions that they could do to help
clear this up for people in our situation :-)!!, and some doctors
give these for weeks as standard practice (rather than only when
birth is imminent--there are hormone tests that can determine this),
which is more harmful to the baby in the long run. They (doctors)
also like to push beta-mimecs (typically anti-asthma drugs, but given
in double the max dose) as a precaution, which aren't always
necessary and in fact can be dangerous. If your friend wants to talk
more about this (put all my reading to good use!), have her email me.
Cheers,
Traci
>Hi all:
>
>One of my colleagues has a daughter who is pregnant and is threatening to
>give birth prematurely. She was given an injection that supposedly "hastens
>fetal lung development." If anyone has information, please share.
>
>Thanks to all who reply!
>
>JL Edwards
>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Traci A. Giuliano
Department of Psychology
Southwestern University
Georgetown, TX 78627
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(512) 863-1596;fax 863-5788
http://www.southwestern.edu/~giuliant
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