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Questions about 17P shots.

Lina Young - 10:53am Jan 19, 2008 EST
Mommy to Ethan - 25 w 6 days (now 3 1/2) and expecting baby #2 in October 2008

My husband and I have just decided to TTC with our 2nd child. It has been a difficult decision because our first child was born at 25 w 6days after going into labor at 22 weeks and 3 weeks of hospital bedrest. He is now 3 1/2 years old. My OB has told me that I will have a cerclage at 12/13 weeks and then bedrest at 20 weeks. He did not mention 17P shots, although he may still talk about it at my first appointment once I become pregnant. I just have a few questions about it first. I tried to read a little about it and have had some conflicting information...

1. I have been diagnosed with IC, but I have read that the shots don't help that even though I have read several posts from people that have IC that are getting the shots. So, can it help people with IC?

2. How are the shots administered? Do you give them to yourself or does the doc do it? I have read in several places that they are weekly, so do you just get it at your weekly appointment if you are high risk?

3. Is this something that is still pretty new? I had never heard of it before and things happened so quickly with my first pregnancy, they really didn't know what was happening to me, until after he was born.

4. In general, what are the 17P shots and how do they help? I'm confused by some of the information I have read from posts and have read in articles or on websites.

There is a lot of conflicting information, so I was wondering if anyone could help. I just want to do everything I can for my next child to have a full term birth because I am so scared to go through another premature birth. I would appreciate any help with these questions.

Lina

(Prev msg: 13)

Jage - Apr 10, 2008 7:22 am (#14 Total: 15)

taking shots now

I had my first daughter at 30 weeks after having PTL at 26 weeks. I spent 4 weeks in the hospital before she was born. I am now 18 weeks into my second pregnancy. My peri recommended the p17 shots as they do not really know the cause of my PTL. They felt it was probably an abruption, but they have also mentioned IC, as my cervix with shortened and thinned when I was hospitalized. I actually chose not to have the cerclage, which my peri agreed with, but went with the shots. Doctor's have very varying beliefs about the effectiveness of the cerclage.

So far, this pregnancy is going much better. I had a lot of trouble maintaining a safe weight during my first pregnancy, as I was so sick/nauseous throughout. I also bled throughout. This time, thanks to Zofran (meds for nausea), I have already gained more than I did the entire last pregnancy, AND there hasn't been any bleeding. I am feeling confident.

I started the p17 shots 3 weeks ago (16 weeks). They are not as bad as people say. It's a thick shot, so it takes time to go in. The worst part is really the next day, as it can be pretty sore for a few days afterward. But not every time. I go in the the doctor's office once a week. They would not let me do it at home. The p17 gets mailed to me, and I bring it with me to the doctor's office.

I was told yesterday that they are thinking of pulling me out of work at 24 weeks (two weeks before I went into labor last pregnancy), even though there has been no sign of PTL. It was a bit of a shock to me, because they had told me all along that I would be fine working unless they saw something go wrong. I am a teacher and spend much of my day on my feet. But I am not going to argue. Whatever is going to make my chances of keeping this baby in full term I'm willing to do!

I wish all the rest of you luck as well. It is certainly a scary road we travel. I still panic with every ache and pain, unsure of what is normal or not. I'm sure as I get closer to when I had PTL last time it will get even harder. I just have to take it one day/week/month at a time!

Jen

tmariem - Apr 10, 2008 8:38 pm (#15 Total: 15)

no more pain

In the beginning I would hurt for a couple of days and after a few times of getting the shot it was only a couple of hours. I dont remember when it was, I started massaging the area before I got the shot and now I am painfree with the shots. It also helps that a nurse from Matria comes to my house to give them. I am able to lay down and keep my muscles relaxed then after the shot I walk around for a minute.

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