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17p and effects on fetus

monkeynus - 04:27pm Feb 2, 2010 EST

I delivered my son at 32 weeks. I had no signs of preterm labor (PIH diagnosed at 30weeks). Went into the hospital with some abdominal pain and found out I was dilated to 6, he was born 2 hours later. He luckily only spent 20 days in the NICU and is now a happy, healthy, and fiesty 3 year old. I am now 9 weeks pregnant with #2. I am currently taking prometrium until 12 weeks and then the Dr said we might do a cerclage, 17p, or a combination. I have not been diagnosed with IC and the Drs are unsure what triggered my preterm labor. I am concerned about the 17p shots and the effects on the fetus. I have found a lot of info on the effects to the mother and the benefits of prolonging pregnancy but nothing on the risk to the baby. I was hoping some of you women that have had the 17p shots can tell me if your child has had any genital problems or other abnormalities from this. I need to make a decision whether or not I will try the 17p. Thanks in advance for your help = )

Peasinapod - Feb 3, 2010 8:16 am (#1 Total: 5)

Momma of Sky - now 6 (32 weeker), Will - 4 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 21 months (37 weeks) and Ian (38 weeks)

Hi and Congrats on your pregnancy!

I have not used 17P as my OB feels my main problem is IC, but I have done a lot of research such as you. The one thing I realized is that the research seemed somewhat inconclusive. The genital abnormality you are refering to (I assume) is that the opening of the urethra is not aligned correctly. I'm drawing a blank on what this is called. It is not an uncommon problem anyway and there is not enough evidence to suggest it is actually a side effect of the 17P (according to my OB and from what I've read).

If you go with a cerclage I can offer a lot more information...just not much help with 17P. Wishing you the best with this pregnancy. I would love to know how you're doing...feel free to join this thread Pregnant and Fabulous to chat with others on their journey of pregnancy.

Kristyn

esg1 - Feb 3, 2010 12:11 pm (#2 Total: 5)

Abigail's Mom (29 weeks, 3/21/05)

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I am glad your doctors seem on top of everything. I am sorry I don't know anything about 17P shots but I know that there are some experts around here and hopefully they will chime in soon.

Keep us updated.
Ellen

Jackie G - Feb 3, 2010 2:53 pm (#3 Total: 5)

Mom to Kimberly (25 wkr, 6 yrs!) & Matthew (38.5 wkr, 4 yrs!)

The condition Kristyn is referring to is called Hypospadias and there is only a very minor increase in boys who have the condition when born to momw who took 17P. Luckily if this does happen, it can be corrected through surgery (and there is a discussion here on Share from some adults who have had the surgery done - I'll try to link it so you can read it)

Hypospadias discussion

I used the shots in my 2nd pregnancy, and had similar concerns as you. There just isn't a lot of information on effects to the fetus but my OB said it is quite safe. What made me decide to take them? That hypospadias is repairable but having another baby at 25 weeks may not have a good outcome. I'd rather give my baby the best chance at survival than worry about a slightly higher risk of hypospadias. But that is just my opinion.

And it worked for me. My 2nd child was born at 38.5 weeks and is healthy.

Good Luck to you!
Jackie

Peasinapod - Feb 3, 2010 6:22 pm (#4 Total: 5)

Momma of Sky - now 6 (32 weeker), Will - 4 years old (37 weeks) and Adalynn - 21 months (37 weeks) and Ian (38 weeks)

Jackie, you always come through on this for me! Thanks

KHolley - Feb 3, 2010 9:12 am (#5 Total: 5)

Welcome to Share. Your story sounds so similar to mine. My daughter was born at 34 weeks and there is no reason that they can find. When I got pregnant with my son, my doctor suggested the 17p shots and I jumped at the chance. I figured that anything that I could do to prolong the pregnancy would outweigh any of the side effects that I could find doing research. I was able to make it to 36 weeks and no NICU with my son. I am now part of a patient advisory council on the 17p shots. It is going to be approved by the FDA soon. I would recommend it to everyone that is able to take it. Please contact me if you have any questions, I would love to help.

Katie

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