Pregnancy even though thrilling is also a roller coaster ride, and requires one to be very cautious and careful about various factors. Like before following a new diet or fitness regime, you should be very careful. It is more significant when it comes to taking medicines, (let it be old ones or new) as it concerns the health of the baby in your womb. It is very crucial to take the doctor’s recommendation before going ahead and taking the medicines as some of them could be too strong and can impact the baby. Certain medicines like steroids and antibiotics can harm the baby. Here we discuss the pros and cons of taking Betnesol. Is it safe to take a Betnesol injection during pregnancy?
Betnesol is one of the most potent steroids available. If taken, it can lead to pre-term labor, thus resulting in heart ailments, lung issues as well as problems with the brain of the baby. In the present times, though, there are many other medicines available that can help to postpone the labor as well. Despite this, many doctors still administer Betnesol to the expectant mother in case its benefits are more than the losses. Therefore, as an expecting mother, one must have a basic knowledge about not only what Betnesol is, how safe is it, what is the right dosage, and how and when to administer it, but also its side effects.
In This Article
- What Is Betnesol?
- Is It Safe To Take Betamethasone Injection During Pregnancy?
- What Is The Ideal Dosage Of Betnesol Injection While Pregnant?
- How Is Betnesol Given?
- When Is Betnesol Administered During Pregnancy?
- What Are The Side Effects Of Betnesol Injections During Pregnancy?
What Is Betnesol?
Betnesol (also referred to medically as Betamethasone IM/PO, Betaject, etc.) is one of the famous and recommended corticosteroids (a steroid or a medicine that helps to offer relief from swelling, inflamed areas, allergies, itching, etc.). This medicine treats different types of hormonal disproportion and immunity ailments.
Corticosteroids or cortisone-type medicines are integral for the functioning of the body and controlling the salt, water, and stress levels as well. It even helps in the smooth functioning of the heart. What you have to note is that doctors administer Betnesol shots only if the body has sufficient corticosteroids.
Is It Safe To Take Betamethasone Injection During Pregnancy?
There is not enough data to gauge if administering Betnesol in the course of pregnancy is safe or not. As per the FDA, this medicine comes under the C drug category. The drugs which belong to category C are tested on animals, and the drug also should have shown contrary effects on the fetus.
It has no regulated research performed on human beings as well. It is, therefore, advised and administrated only if its advantages weigh more for the unborn baby than the risks it poses for the mother. This shot will be administered only when other treatments fail for the complications that take place in the prenatal period.
What Is The Ideal Dosage Of Betnesol Injection During Pregnancy?
The quantity of the injection of Betnesol varies from one individual to the other, which depends on the health of the expectant mother, in case of any complications, the doctor will take the required steps likewise. Betnesol is a part of a few creams as well, so applying any of them comprising Betnesol needs a doctor’s approval at first.
How Is Betnesol Given?
Betnesol injection during pregnancy should be administered in a specific way. It is important to know the right way of giving it. Since it is given to the pregnant mother, it becomes even more crucial to be careful and cautious. Given below is the method that should be followed while giving Betnesol, and they are as follows:
- Betnesol injection can be administered via drip that runs either into the muscles or the veins.
- You can apply it directly to the affected parts.
- Doctors will inject it into the tissue that is inflamed.
- The doctors used to prescribe this medicine on a short time basis ranging from some days to a few weeks.
- The dosage of Betnesol should not be stopped abruptly as it can result in symptoms of isolation.
When Is Betnesol Administered During Pregnancy?
It is important to administer Betnesol only when required. Betnesol is usually administered during pregnancy only when the undermentioned complications related to pregnancy are seen:
Pre-term Labor
In case the birth of the baby happens before time, that is around 32-35 weeks, the lungs are not fully developed and do not function properly. This injection helps the lungs to develop faster. The shot is usually given a day before the pre-term labor is anticipated.
Fibronectin Test For The Foetus (FFT)
The washed secretions from the cervix are tested for fibronectin (a protein that helps to fasten the uterus to the amniotic sac). The test helps in evaluating the probability of pre-term labor. FFT is counted as a common procedure if one has multiple or twin fetuses. In case it is positive, a Betnesol injection will be administrated.
What Are The Side Effects Of Betnesol Injection During Pregnancy?
Betnesol should be administered under the doctor’s guidance and only under certain conditions that have been listed above. This is a drug that can cause risk to the mother, but it is equally useful for the baby, so one needs to weigh if it is more beneficial or harmful depending on the circumstances. It even has some side effects that one needs to be aware of, and they are as follows:
- Betnesol injections can decrease the immunity of the body.
- Giving more than the prescribed dosage can even result in mood swings and behavior changes, making one depressed and irritated.
- Administering the injection can delay the growth and development of the babies as well as reduced heart rate etc.
- It also affects the production of natural steroids in the baby’s body.
Thus, it is just not injections but even over-the-top remedies which comprise of Betnesol can also lead to some adverse detrimental outcomes. The skin may absorb steroids that apply to the skin for relieving inflammation and itching. This can transmit to the baby.
So it is crucial to be vigilant before applying any cream that has Betnesol. Betnesol is undoubtedly not the ideal option to during pregnancy. Usually, it opts under challenging situations and more specifically when nothing else works.
