Good to know 

Injections during pregnancy helping the baby to open the lungs. Prevention of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns. Appointment of injections, tablets and drops

Any woman who is expecting a baby would like to completely give up drugs for all 9 months. Some diseases can be dealt with using folk methods, but with serious hormonal disorders and malfunctions of the immune system, medications cannot be dispensed with. Dexamethasone during pregnancy is prescribed only when there is a risk of abortion or premature birth.

Disputes about the safety of this drug are still ongoing. Therefore, its reception should be carried out strictly according to the doctor's prescription and under his control. Dosage and duration are determined by the results of diagnostic examinations, which are carried out every 2-4 weeks.

Dexamethasone is a synthetic analogue of the hormones of the adrenal cortex. It affects the endocrine system, metabolic processes and indirectly on all organs.

After absorption into the blood, Dexamethasone accelerates the breakdown of proteins, uses the material and energy from these reactions to produce carbohydrates. An increase in glucose levels leads to an increased release of energy, which activates the production of adipose tissue.

There are fewer proteins in the blood, and as a result, the activity of the immune system decreases, since there is not enough material for the production of its cells. An increase in blood sugar levels can lead to the development of steroid diabetes, and an increase in the production of adipose tissue can lead to excess weight.

Reduced immunity can be both a side effect of taking the drug, and a positive result. This property is successfully used in autoimmune and allergic diseases. Dexamethasone blocks biologically active substances that provoke inflammatory reactions.

Another effect of the drug is the inhibition of the process of cell division. It allows the use of Dexamethasone in oncological diseases, when it is necessary to stop the growth of the tumor. But in pathologies where tissue regeneration is required, it is contraindicated.

Among the indications for the use of Dexamethasone are present: insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, allergies, autoimmune and oncological diseases, congenital androgenital syndrome. The drug in the form of eye drops is prescribed for ophthalmic inflammatory and allergic diseases.

Forms of release of the drug

Dexamethasone comes in several forms. Each of them has its own indications, contraindications and dosage. During pregnancy, the drug can be administered in tablets (outpatient and inpatient), in injections (inpatient).

Ampoules

Dexamethasone in ampoules is a clear, colorless or yellowish solution for injection. Injections can be given intravenously, intramuscularly, intraarticularly, periarticularly and retrobulbar. Intravenous administration is sometimes carried out using a dropper. In pharmacies, two volumes of ampoules are presented: 1 and 2 ml each (4 and 8 mg of the active substance, respectively). The package contains 5 or 10 pcs.

Dexamethasone in ampoules during pregnancy is used in severe and critical cases. It is administered intravenously and intramuscularly for disorders of the endocrine system, allergies, and oncological diseases. With severe rheumatic pain, the drug is prescribed in the form of intra-articular injections.

Drops

One of the forms of Dexamethasone is 0.1% eye drops. They are a white suspension. Available in 10 ml dropper bottles. 1 ml contains 1 mg of the active substance. Indicated for ophthalmic diseases accompanied by inflammatory processes and allergic manifestations, as well as eye injuries.

Dexamethasone drops during pregnancy are prescribed extremely rarely - in case of severe inflammation of the conjunctiva, allergic reaction, trauma. Whenever possible, doctors replace it with safer drugs.

Pills

Dexamethasone is available in the form of tablets. Each contains 0.5 mg of the active substance. Pharmacies offer packages of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100 pcs. Tablets are indicated for a wide range of diseases, including bronchial asthma, acute eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral edema.

Dexamethasone tablets during pregnancy are prescribed more often than other forms. They are easy to use and do not require hospitalization. This is especially important when the drug must be taken for all 9 months. Tablets are prescribed to normalize and maintain the required level of hormones, as well as for mild to moderate allergic reactions.

Indications and contraindications during pregnancy

Dexamethasone refers to glucocorticoids - hormonal drugs. Dexamethasone during pregnancy is often prescribed to open the baby's lungs when there is an increased risk of preterm labor. The drug provides accelerated maturation of the surfactant - a compound due to which the baby's respiratory organs can function normally.

The instructions for Dexamethasone say that it is contraindicated when carrying a child. However, one of the main indications for its appointment is the threat of miscarriage. The drug is effective in cases where the risk of abortion occurs due to disorders in the endocrine system: the production of a large amount of male sex hormones.

This condition is called hyperandrogenism. Dexamethasone inhibits the synthesis of androgens, affecting the adrenal glands and ovaries. Often it is prescribed for all 9 months, especially if the fetus is male. In this case, from a certain period of time, his sex hormones are added to the maternal ones and increase the risk of abortion.

And another important indication for the use of Dexamethasone during pregnancy is autoimmune diseases. Their danger is that individual cells of the mother's body begin to perceive the fetus as a harmful agent and react aggressively to it, rejecting it from the womb. The drug is able to affect the immune system, suppressing its activity.

Dexamethasone is a potent drug, so the list of contraindications to it is quite large. During pregnancy, the reasons for refusing to prescribe it are most often overweight and diabetes. This medicine changes metabolic processes: the consumption of carbohydrates increases, the breakdown of fats slows down.

This is also associated with weight gain during treatment. Due to the effect of Dexamethasone on blood clotting, it is contraindicated in women who have a tendency to form blood clots. With a pronounced threat of abortion, the drug can be prescribed in these cases, but under constant medical supervision.

Dexamethasone during pregnancy in tablets is not prescribed for certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A more detailed list can be found in the instructions that come with the drug.

The benefits and harms of the drug for the pregnant woman and the fetus

Dexamethasone during pregnancy is prescribed only in cases where the benefits of its use will be greater than the possible risks. The drug effectively copes with its tasks: it restores the balance of hormones in hyperandrogenism, suppresses the production of antibodies in allergic diseases, accelerates the maturation of the lungs in the fetus with the likelihood of premature birth. In other words, it allows a woman to bear a child and reduces the risk of his death during premature pregnancy.

The harm from taking Dexamethasone for a pregnant woman is its side effects. The drug can cause nausea, bloating, lowering blood pressure, weakening of the heart muscle.

Under certain conditions, a decrease in immunity, a slowdown in regenerative processes, is undesirable. Intraocular and intracranial pressure may increase, causing headaches, incoordination, and psychopathic reactions. Metabolic changes increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.

Dexamethasone is able to cross the placenta. Its effect on the fetus can manifest itself as a violation of the functions of the adrenal glands. In such cases, treatment is carried out with the help of replacement therapy after birth.

Dosage of the drug during pregnancy

Dexamethasone during pregnancy is always prescribed with caution, the dosage depends on the results of hormone tests and may change several times in 9 months. Most often, the drug is prescribed in tablet form, per day - from 1 to 3 pcs.

Termination of pregnancy in the period of 28-37 weeks is called premature birth. Termination of pregnancy in the period from 22 weeks to 28 weeks, according to the rules of the World Health Organization, is classified as very early preterm birth. In our country, termination at this stage of pregnancy is not considered a premature birth, but at the same time, they provide assistance in a maternity hospital, and not in a gynecological hospital, and take measures to care for a very premature newborn. A child born as a result of such childbirth is considered a fetus for 7 days, only after a week such a baby is considered not a fetus, but a child. This feature of the terminology is due to the fact that children born before the 28th week of pregnancy are often unable to adapt to environmental conditions outside the womb, even with the help of doctors.

Causes of preterm birth

Factors leading to preterm birth can be divided into socio-biological and medical.

It should be noted that in the autumn and spring months the frequency of this complication increases. This is due to changing weather conditions, in particular the frequent change in atmospheric pressure, which can affect the frequency of premature rupture of amniotic fluid. Severe colds with a high rise in body temperature and a strong cough can increase and cause labor prematurely. An adverse effect on the course of pregnancy of a number of production factors was noted: exposure to chemicals, vibration, radiation, etc. Premature births are more common in young, unmarried, studying women, with a lack of protein and vitamins in food, as well as in women with bad habits.

Medical factors include severe infectious diseases, including those suffered in childhood, abortions, and inflammatory diseases of the genital organs. Chromosomal disorders of the fetus - damage to the hereditary apparatus of the fetus under the influence of adverse external and internal factors (ionizing radiation, occupational hazards, taking certain drugs, smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs, unfavorable environmental situation, etc.) - can lead to premature birth, but more often in In such cases, early termination of pregnancy occurs. In most cases, the cause of premature births are diseases of the endocrine system, such as dysfunction of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and ovaries, obesity, in which the work of all endocrine glands changes. Anatomical changes in the genital organs include genital infantilism (underdevelopment of the female genital organs), malformations of the uterus, traumatic damage to the uterus during abortions and curettage, tumors of the uterus. In almost one third of cases, the cause of preterm birth is isthmic-cervical insufficiency, in which, as a result of mechanical influences (trauma of the cervix after abortion, previous childbirth, other gynecological manipulations) or a lack of certain hormones, the cervix does not perform its obturator function.

Often the cause of premature birth is cervical-vaginal infections (trichomoniasis, mycoplasma, chlamydia, etc.) and viral infections (cytomegalovirus, herpes, influenza, adenovirus infection, mumps), especially those that are hidden. The presence of a chronic genital infection contributes to the disruption of the local protective barrier and fetal injury. Severe forms of extragenital diseases (not associated with the female genital organs) and pregnancy complications can also lead to preterm pregnancy. Such diseases include, for example, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, anemia, chronic diseases of the lungs, kidneys, liver, etc.

Symptoms of the onset of labor

With the onset of preterm labor, regular labor activity and smoothing or opening of the cervix appear. The onset of labor is accompanied by the appearance of regular cramping pains in the lower abdomen, which increase in intensity over time, the intervals between contractions decrease. Quite often, premature birth begins with the outflow of amniotic fluid, and their amount can be from a few drops to several liters. In addition, the appearance of a woman's mucous discharge with streaks of blood or bloody discharge during a premature pregnancy indicates structural changes in the cervix, i.e. e. its smoothing. The appearance of any of the above symptoms requires urgent hospitalization in an obstetric hospital.

At the slightest suspicion of a deviation from the normal course of pregnancy, it is necessary to seek qualified help.

When these symptoms appear, you must immediately call an ambulance, which will take the expectant mother to the hospital. In some cases, it is possible to prolong the pregnancy; if this is not possible, then conditions are created in the hospital for careful delivery - childbirth, during which a still very fragile baby experiences the least possible load.

Features of the course of childbirth

In preterm birth, premature rupture of amniotic fluid, weakness and dysfunction of labor, rapid or impaired regulatory mechanisms, and fetal hypoxia are more often observed.

Premature rupture of amniotic fluid is more often manifested in isthmic-cervical insufficiency or the presence of infection. The lower pole becomes infected, and as a result of inflammation, the membranes are easily torn. Normally, the fetal bladder ruptures closer to the full opening of the cervix, that is, already with the development of labor. The sensations of a woman can be different: from a small wet spot on her underwear to a large amount of water flowing from the vagina and flowing down the legs. The water should be clear, but can be cloudy and dark brown (in the presence of infection). Premature births very often proceed quickly or even rapidly. A woman has rather painful contractions, their frequency increases, the intervals between contractions are less than 5 minutes and quickly decrease to 1 minute, the first stage of labor (until the cervix is ​​fully dilated) is reduced to 2-4 hours. Due to the fact that the head of a premature fetus is smaller, the expulsion of the fetus begins when the cervix is ​​not fully opened. A smaller baby passes through the birth canal faster.

Premature baby

A child born as a result of premature birth has signs of prematurity, which are determined immediately after birth. The body weight of such a newborn is less than 2500 g, the height is less than 45 cm, there is a lot of cheese-like lubricant on the skin, the subcutaneous tissue is not sufficiently developed, the ears and nasal cartilages are soft. The nails do not go beyond the tips of the fingers, the umbilical ring is located closer to the bosom. In boys, the testicles are not lowered into the scrotum (this is determined by touch), in girls, the clitoris and labia minora are not covered by the labia majora, the cry is squeaky. It should be noted that the presence of one sign is not an indisputable proof of the prematurity of the child, the prematurity of the fetus is determined by the combination of signs.

Unlike timely births, there are more complications in preterm births. Firstly, the baby's head does not have time to adapt to the mother's pelvic bones and reconfigure. The configuration of the head is the possibility of displacement of the bones of the fetal skull during childbirth to reduce its volume when passing through the birth canal. This mechanism allows you to reduce pressure on the head and cervical spine of a newborn baby. The bones of the skull of a premature baby are rather soft and cannot provide protection for the brain, the risk of trauma, hemorrhages under the membranes in the brain tissue of the fetus during childbirth increases. As a result, the child may experience hemorrhages, he does not have time to adapt to changes in the environment, his regulatory system is disturbed. Secondly, often a woman gets ruptures of the birth canal (cervix, vagina and external genitalia), as the tissues do not have time to adapt to stretching.

With threatening and beginning childbirth, a woman is urgently hospitalized.

Much less often in preterm birth, weakness of labor activity occurs. Weakness can be manifested by weak, infrequent or short contractions. The time of childbirth increases significantly, the woman gets tired, the child also begins to suffer. Other anomalies of labor activity are possible, for example, the strength and frequency of contractions is sufficient, and the cervix does not dilate. All this is associated with a violation of regulatory systems in preterm birth, there is no sufficient hormonal preparation for childbirth. Infectious complications in childbirth and the postpartum period are much more common in both the mother and the fetus. Among these complications are suppuration of the sutures (if any), postpartum metroendometritis (inflammation of the mucous membrane and muscular layer of the uterus), peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum) and the maximum spread of infection (sepsis). This is due to the presence of a latent or overt infection that was present before childbirth in a pregnant woman, which is often the cause of miscarriage. Infection can join during childbirth, due to their duration (with weakness), for example, chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the membranes of the embryo). Premature babies have reduced immunity and, accordingly, are more susceptible to infections.

Prognosis for a child

Due to the peculiarities of obstetric tactics and the different outcome of childbirth for the fetus, it is considered appropriate to divide preterm birth into three periods, taking into account the timing of gestation (pregnancy): preterm birth at 22-27 weeks, preterm birth at 28-33 weeks, preterm birth at 34- 37 weeks of gestation.


Premature birth at 22-27 weeks (fetal weight from 500 to 1000 g) is most often caused by isthmic-cervical insufficiency (due to trauma in previous births), infection of the lower pole of the fetal bladder and premature rupture of the fetal bladder. Therefore, in this group of women, as a rule, there are few primigravidas. The presence of infection in the genital tract excludes the possibility of prolonging pregnancy in most pregnant women. The lungs of the fetus are immature, and it is not possible to accelerate their maturation by prescribing medications to the mother in a short period of time. Such children belong to the high-risk group and are more often subject to urgent resuscitation. They are in incubators, under the strict supervision of a neonatologist and qualified nurses. Children almost always need a further stage of nursing and are registered for a long time in perinatal centers or clinics at the place of residence.

Premature birth at a gestational age of 28-33 weeks (fetal weight 1000-1800 g) is due to more diverse causes than earlier preterm birth. There are more than 30% of primigravidas in this category of childbirth.

More than half of women carry out expectant management and maintain pregnancy. In such children, the lungs do not have time to "ripen", the production of surfactant is disrupted. Surfactant is a mixture of fats and proteins that is synthesized in the large alveoli (the building block of the lungs), coating them, promoting their expansion and preventing them from collapsing when inhaled. In the absence or deficiency of this substance, the child's breathing is disturbed. A surfactant preparation can be administered to neonates as needed and greatly facilitates breathing, but this preparation is very expensive and not readily available. Therefore, in order to prevent respiratory failure, women are prescribed glucocorticoids. They stimulate the production of surfactant and the "maturation" of the lungs in the fetus for 2-3 days with the threat of preterm birth. With the onset of labor, glucocorticoids are administered intravenously at intervals of 3-4 hours.

Premature births at a gestational age of 34-37 weeks (fetal weight 1900-2500 g or more) are due to even more diverse reasons, the percentage of infected women is much less than in the previous groups, and primigravidas - more than 50%. However, due to the fact that the lungs of the fetus are almost mature, it is not necessary to administer drugs that stimulate the maturation of the surfactant.

Children are less likely to be transferred to the intensive care unit, but round-the-clock care and supervision are necessary in all cases until the child's condition is completely stabilized.

Nursing features

Premature babies, after examination by a neonatologist, are most often immediately transferred to the intensive care unit, and if necessary, to the intensive care unit. They are monitored around the clock, care and treatment, as well as prevention of possible complications. Premature babies have imperfect thermoregulation, they can be in an incubator, where temperature, humidity, oxygen, etc. are strictly controlled. They have a tendency to respiratory disorders, reduced resistance to environmental factors, so it is necessary to have round-the-clock duty not only of nursing staff, but also of a neonatologist. In most cases, premature babies, after certain efforts of a group of neonatologists, are transferred to the second stage of nursing in a specialized hospital. If there is a perinatal center in the city, the second stage of nursing is carried out in the same hospital where the birth took place, and the children are not transported. It should be noted that often premature babies stabilize rather quickly, and there is no need for a second stage of nursing.

Management of preterm labor

With threatening and beginning childbirth - when there is no cervical dilatation or it is insignificant - tactics are aimed at prolonging pregnancy. The woman is urgently hospitalized, strict bed rest is created, sedatives are prescribed, and the causes that led to premature birth are eliminated (if possible). For example, suturing of the cervix is ​​performed for isthmic-cervical insufficiency, treatment of vaginal infections, restoration of the natural microflora of the vagina or antibiotics in the presence of an infectious process, treatment is carried out in conjunction with a therapist or endocrinologist (if necessary). An obligatory component is drugs that reduce the tone of the uterus (tocolytics), improve the functioning of the placenta, increase immunity, vitamin therapy, as well as drugs that improve intrauterine nutrition of the child and accelerate the "maturation" of the lungs of the fetus.


In each case, an individual approach is needed, but the efforts of doctors do not always lead to the desired results, and the process turns into the onset of premature birth.

Round-the-clock care and supervision are necessary in all cases until the child's condition is completely stabilized.

Premature birth requires a qualified obstetrician-gynecologist, nurse and neonatologist. It is necessary to constantly monitor the woman and the condition of the fetus. A woman is regularly examined, pressure, body temperature are measured, urine and blood tests are monitored. In addition to data from cardiac monitoring, they control the development of labor, listen to the fetal heartbeat, and determine the position of the fetus. Fetal heart rate monitoring is a study of the heart rhythm. It is carried out on a special apparatus at rest, in the position of the pregnant woman on her side for 30-60 minutes. On the anterior abdominal wall of a pregnant woman, with the help of an elastic band, there are recording sensors that record the heartbeats of the fetus, as well as the frequency and strength of contractions.

Most of the complications in childbirth, both on the part of the mother and the fetus, are due to a violation of the contractile activity of the uterus. To identify the features of the contractile activity of the uterus during preterm labor, it is recommended to maintain a partogram (a graphical representation of the frequency and strength of contractions) and record the contractile activity of the uterus. A partogram can be carried out without any technique, by touch, with a stopwatch, to fix the frequency, strength and duration of contractions, and then depict them on a graph. However, all specialized centers have cardiomonitor monitoring, which clearly displays the condition of the child during the birth process, as well as the tone of the uterus and the effectiveness of contractions in dynamics, which allows timely correction and provision of qualified medical care in case of any deviations.

To determine the degree of cervical dilation, the doctor examines the woman on the gynecological chair. Due to the possible negative impact on the fetus, pacing or inhibition of labor is carefully considered, and often the issue needs to be resolved within a short time, with the decision being made by several doctors. Prevention of fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen) is carried out; in most cases, narcotic painkillers are refused (since they adversely affect the fetal respiratory center). Childbirth is carried out in the supine position, because it is easier to control childbirth in this position, the head does not move quickly along the birth canal, the woman and fetus feel satisfactory, in contrast to the supine position, in which the pregnant uterus compresses large venous vessels, worsens maternal and fetal circulation. Pain and epidural anesthesia speed up the process of opening the cervix, which is often too fast. The fetal head does not have time to adapt to the birth canal, and often poorly extensible perineum exacerbates the situation, so they are approached individually.

It is in the power of the woman herself to reduce the likelihood of preterm birth. There is no need to hide previous abortions and inflammatory processes in the past from the doctor with whom the woman is registered. It is necessary to immediately inform the doctor about all changes in your body, go to special classes in preparation for childbirth. When a pathology is detected, one should not refuse the treatment prescribed by the doctor. It is necessary to limit physical activity, monitor the diet, which should be varied and well balanced. Excessive consumption of spicy, salty or fatty foods leads to exacerbations of chronic diseases of the digestive system, which can cause premature birth. If symptoms of pregnancy appear, sexual activity should be avoided during the last two months of pregnancy. If there is the slightest suspicion of a deviation from the normal course of pregnancy, it is necessary to seek qualified help.

Dexamethasone is an artificial analogue of hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands. The purpose of this substance is to maintain the normal functioning of the human body.

Dexamethasone is often used during pregnancy, to prevent miscarriage, to maintain a woman's condition in other diseases, and in premature birth to open the baby's lungs. Despite the fact that this drug causes discussion among doctors, it has been used in gynecology for half a century.

The appointment of dexamethasone during pregnancy is carried out by a doctor.

Instructions for use of the drug Dexamethasone provides for the following indications for use:

  • rheumatic diseases;
  • ulcerative colitis;
  • oncological diseases;
  • respiratory disease (tuberculosis);
  • hematological diseases;
  • diseases of the visual organs;
  • severe neurological conditions.

Dexamethasone is prescribed during pregnancy in tablets, but if the situation is critical, then injections are used, which are administered intramuscularly or intravenously. If the patient's position is severe, associated with rheumatic ailments, then the substance is injected into the joints to relieve pain. The use of this drug is quite wide in medicine.

The use of this drug is arbitrarily unacceptable, since only the doctor calculates the dose and frequency of administration individually for each case. Therefore, a single regimen for women in position does not exist. As a rule, Dexamethasone injections are prescribed in the first 3-4 days of treatment, then the patient is transferred to the tablet form of the drug. Side effects may also be present, namely: nausea, increased blood pressure, arrhythmia, allergic reactions.

Dexamethasone during pregnancy for the lungs

Dexamethasone is prescribed during pregnancy to open the baby's lungs. If the patient has a premature birth, then in order to prevent the birth of a premature baby, the contractions are stopped. For this, agents are introduced that are capable of suppressing. And for the maturation of the respiratory organs of the child, the mother is injected with Dexamethasone. This is the main case why Dexamethasone is prescribed during pregnancy.


 Dexamethasone injections during pregnancy.

A small organism perceives this substance as a signal of preparation for childbirth and prepares for birth. So his lungs mature and when he is born, he will be able to breathe on his own. The medicine is also prescribed in the case when the child lacks the hormones of the adrenal cortex, but this is a very rare disease.

The instruction of Dexamethasone indicates that during pregnancy it is prescribed to reduce the amount of androgens. And although the instruction prohibits the use of this remedy for pregnant women, it is widely used in gynecology. If you lower the production of male sex hormones with this substance, then it goes away.

Dexamethasone during pregnancy at 33 weeks or earlier is used to prevent respiratory diseases in the child, and miscarriage is also prevented. The course of prevention or treatment, as well as the dosage, can only be determined and prescribed by the attending physician, since successful treatment is possible with an individual approach.


 Dexamethasone tablets.

This substance lowers blood pressure and, with regular use, will weaken the heart muscle. It increases the pressure inside the skull and inside the eyes, causing migraines and other disorders. The patient needs more carbohydrates, the amount of fat increases, so if a woman is sick or obese, she is prohibited from taking this substance. It is not used for vein thrombosis. But in a critical situation that threatens the life of the patient or her child, this substance must be used.

Pregnancy doesn't always go smoothly. Often there is a threat of premature birth or miscarriage in the later stages. The doctor, comparing all the facts, weighing all the pros and cons, can prescribe quite strong drugs aimed at preparing the fetus for premature birth and increasing its chances of survival. One such drug is Dexamethasone. Why is such a strong hormonal drug prescribed, and what consequences can we expect from it?


It has already been said above that the main indication for the use of Dexamethasone injections is the threat of premature birth. If such a problem is found, this drug will help to accelerate the opening of the baby's lungs. After the baby is born, he has every chance to breathe on his own, because the respiratory system will be developed and ready. Otherwise, there are risks that the baby will not be able to breathe on his own, he may have respiratory arrest, and his death. Dexamethasone injections cause general stress in the mother's body. The baby feels this, and already in the womb is preparing for the fact that he may have to be born early.

Also, the drug is prescribed for increased testosterone production. By the way, if it is known that a woman is expecting a boy, the drug can be prescribed until the end of pregnancy in order to save her: when carrying a boy, testosterone can be additionally produced. Sometimes there are situations when the mother's body tries to reject the fetus. Dexamethasone slightly suppresses the mother's immune system so that she stops trying to reject the fetus. Thus, it is also possible in many cases to avoid miscarriage, to inform and give birth to a child.

The drug is very strong and the instructions say that it should not be used during pregnancy. However, it is often prescribed when there is a serious threat. First of all, the drug is difficult to tolerate by the woman herself, because there are a huge number of side effects. But, it also affects the child, because the placenta does not block it. Therefore, no doctor “just like that” will prescribe such a drug. We need serious reasons.

Instructions for use of ampoules intramuscularly

The average daily dose ranges from 0.5-0.9 mg. On the first day, the maximum dose (4-20 mg) is administered, and on the following days it is gradually reduced. The doctor prescribes the exact dosage. Injections are made intramuscularly both in a medical facility and at home, if a woman can definitely do it.

Detailed instructions for the use of injections Dexamethasone intramuscularly does not imply self-administration of the drug without consulting a doctor and good reason.

Side effects and contraindications

The drug has a lot of contraindications:

A complete list of contraindications can be found in the instructions. When prescribing these injections, the doctor must take them into account. Dexamethasone also has many side effects. Therefore, it is considered very heavy:

  • disruption of the endocrine system;
  • violations of metabolic processes;
  • problems with the cardiovascular system;
  • problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
  • disruption of the CNS.

Side effects must be reported to your doctor, especially if they are severe.

How much is Dexamethasone in ampoules

The drug is relatively inexpensive. The price of a package of Dexamethasone with 25 ampoules of 4 mg is on average 130-200 rubles, depending on the city and the pharmacy chain where it is purchased.