Recently, lung injection for pregnant women has become common among newly pregnant women, especially those who plan to have a caesarean section. Women raise questions about the benefits of this injection, and whether it is necessary in all cases of pregnancy or is it limited to some cases only. Opinions differed about the importance of taking the lung injection during pregnancy, as some believe that it is necessary while others think that it can be dispensed with. More information on lung injection for pregnant women, in Dalili Medical, and reasons for its use, and the conditions that require taking it.

What is pulmonary injection?

 

Lung injection is known as "pulmonary maturation injection", and it is an injection containing a type of steroids given to the pregnant woman with the aim of helping the fetal lungs to grow and develop completely before birth, especially if there is a possibility of premature birth.

When is the lung injection given?

 

The lung injection is usually given in the last weeks of pregnancy, specifically between week 24 and week 34. However, the exact time to give the injection depends on several factors, including:

1- In the case of pregnancy, if there is a possibility of premature birth, the doctor will give the injection as soon as possible, in order to accelerate the growth of the fetus. Among the common symptoms that indicate the need to give a lung injection in the case of premature birth:

- Pain in the lower back.

- Consciousness of intense pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen.

- Frequent contractions.

- Leakage of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.

- Increased vaginal secretions.

- Vaginal bleeding.

**2- Mother's condition** Some health conditions that pregnant women suffer from, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can increase the risk of premature birth. In such cases, it is necessary to give the injection as a preventive measure. It is also given in cases of twin or multiple pregnancies.

**3- Fetal condition** If there are any problems related to the growth of the fetus, the injection may be given to accelerate the development of the lungs.

**Does lung injection hurt?**

 

Many pregnant women worry about the pain caused by the lung injection, but in reality, the lung injection is similar to any normal injection, and the pains are not as severe as we expect, so there is no need to worry about this matter.

This injection should be given under special supervision to avoid any side effects of taking the dose.

It is different from a woman to another woman, according to us, if it was the height of my marriage before or if it was the height of the previous marriage. These matters should be discussed with the specialist.

**types of steroids in lung injection**
There are many types of steroids, but there are two main types used in lung injection for pregnant women, namely:

1. **Betamethasone** Betamethasone is considered to be the most common among the steroids used in lung injection for pregnant women, as it is characterized by its high effectiveness in promoting fetal lung maturation and reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome. Two doses, total of 12 milligrams, with a time interval of 24 hours between the two doses.

2- Dexamethasone (Dexamethasone) This type is also used in lung injection for pregnant women, but it is less common compared to betamethasone. Aldexamethasone has a stronger effect and a longer duration of action than betamethasone, but it is associated with some additional side effects. Usually, we give it to the pregnant woman in the form of 4 doses, where the total dose is 6 milligrams, with a time interval of 12 hours between the total dose and the next.

**Does the cortisone present in the fetal lung injection affect the pregnant mother?**

 

Cortisone does not affect the world as some people think, and there are no side effects or negative effects. On the contrary, it can have a positive effect in some cases, where it is used to treat some diseases that the mother may be suffering from. However, it should be used with caution, especially with diabetes. I think it is normal that the movement of the fetus increases after receiving the injection of the lungs of the fetus, as long as the average movement reaches ten movements during the day, and this is considered a normal thing. But if this condition persists for more than 48 hours, it is recommended to see a specialist.

**Mechanism of lung injection**
The action of steroids in the lungs during:

1. Stimulating the production of surfactant that lines the alveoli, which helps to reduce the surface tension in the lungs and makes breathing easier.

2. **reducing lung inflammation**, which reduces the damage caused by inflammation and improves lung function.

3. **acceleration of lung maturation in fetuses**, which makes them more capable of breathing after birth.

When do you give the lung fullness needle to the fetus?

 

Usually, the needle for the completion of the lung for the fetus is given to pregnant women who are exposed to the risk of premature birth and the child is expected to be born before the 34th week of pregnancy, and the timing of giving the needle depends on the doctor's assessment of the state of pregnancy and the possible risks of premature birth.

**When will the lungs of the fetus become complete after taking the lung injection?**

 

Despite the great progress of medicine, especially in the fields of pregnancy and childbirth, there is no definite answer as to when the lungs of the fetus are complete after taking the lung injection. This is due to the difference in the ability of the pregnant bodies to absorb the active substance in this injection, which makes it difficult to determine the time required for the growth of this organ completely. It is worth mentioning that the lung injection may give some embryos a new chance for life, as well as shorten their survival period in the nurseries, thanks to the positive effects that promote the development of the lungs in a direct manner.

**What is the average movement of the fetus after taking the needle from the lungs?**

After taking this injection, the average movement of the fetus is about 10-15 movements per day.

**What is the composition of the lung injection?**

 

The composition of the lung injection, which contributes to the complete development of the fetal lung, is cortisone.

** How to give the needle for the fullness of the lungs to the fetus? **

 

Administering a complete lung injection to a fetus is a medical procedure that is usually performed in a hospital or medical clinic by a qualified medical team. Here are the general steps to give this needle:

**Assessment and approval:** Qiam al-Tabi B. Assess the state of pregnancy to determine if it is appropriate to give a full lung needle. It requires knowing the expected date of birth and assessing the possible risks associated with premature birth.

**Preparation of the injection:** A member of the medical team prepares the injection containing the corticosteroid hormone, which contributes to the growth and maturation of the lungs.

**Preparation for the injection:** Prepare the pregnant woman to take the injection while lying comfortably in the afternoon.

**Give the injection:** The doctor or nurse will give the injection in the back muscle or in the arm vein. If the pregnant woman feels some pain or burning in the al-Haqn region for a short time.

**Monitoring:** After giving the injection, the state of the pregnancy and the fetus should be monitored to ensure that no adverse reactions occur.

**Signs of fetal lung completion**
The process of fetal lung formation begins in the last three months of pregnancy, as it coincides with the eighth month. During this period, all the parts of the lungs are formed until the twenty-first week of pregnancy, where the growth of the bronchial tubes is complete. The baby's lungs continue to grow until the thirty-first week of pregnancy, and at this stage the lungs are ready to perform their duties. If premature birth occurs before the thirty-sixth week, the lungs will not be able to breathe, and the baby will not be able to breathe outside the womb until after this week. Therefore, giving birth before the sixth and thirty-sixth week represents a risk to the child's health, which calls for admission to the nursery to provide oxygen.

Time to take pulmonary injection for pregnant women?

 

Lung injections are given if the doctor decides to perform a caesarean section before the thirty-fourth week of pregnancy, and they can be taken until the thirty-sixth week. The 7th and 8th months are considered to be the ideal time for delivery, as the fetus's lungs are able to inflate with air naturally after birth without the need for any additional help.

In addition to the possibility of premature birth, the doctor may prescribe lung injections for pregnant women in certain situations, such as cervical dilatation, or twin pregnancies, or if there is a need to give birth before the 7th and 30th week for whatever reason the doctor suggests. The injection is given during the seventh or eighth month. Pregnancy according to the doctor's advice.

Symptoms of premature birth that require lung injection?

 

If the pregnant woman reaches the 7th and 30th week of pregnancy, and you have any of the following symptoms, the doctor may recommend injecting steroids. Among these symptoms:

- Frequent and regular contractions.

- Continuous and severe pain in the lower back.

- Awareness of pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen.

- Amniotic fluid leakage (watery discharge from the vagina in the form of drops or flow).

- Change in the nature of vaginal secretions.

- Bleeding or the appearance of drops from my vagina.

- Diarrhea.

What are the steroids used in lung injection and how are they administered?

 

Betamethasone is one of the most famous steroids that is usually used in cases of premature birth. Tuatat al-Haqn al-Allam in one of the large muscles, such as the arms, legs, or back. These injections are given two to four times a day, depending on the type of steroid used, with an interval of 12 to 24 hours between each injection.

**Benefits of lung injection**

The benefits of pleural effusion include the following:

The contribution of steroids in reducing the risk of lung problems in premature babies, especially in births that occur between the 24th and 29th weeks of pregnancy.

The children who benefit the most are those who are born after 48 hours and 7 days before receiving the first dose of steroids.

Steroids reduce the risk of lung diseases by up to 50%, and also reduce the probability of death of premature babies by up to 40%.

Moreover, all children born in the 28th week of pregnancy suffer from lung problems, but the children whose mothers received lung injections had less severe problems compared to others.

In addition to the benefits for the lungs, steroid injections contribute to reducing the occurrence of other complications in children, such as intestinal problems or cerebral bleeding.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia in pregnant women?

 

There are no negative symptoms associated with the use of lung needles in pregnant women or fetuses. However, some pregnant women may suffer from a slight increase in blood sugar levels, especially if they have diabetes.

Employing a lung needle can reduce fetal movement during the procedure, but this movement will return to normal within two days at most.

Pregnant women also face low blood pressure.

Caution should be taken when using the lung needle in women suffering from immune deficiency disorders.

When does the effect of lung needle on the fetus begin?

 

The effect of the lung needle starts two days after taking the first dose and lasts up to a week. Usually, the doctor prescribes two doses of the needle, and in some cases, he recommends four doses.

It is important to note that the entire dose of the lung needle contains 12 milligrams of steroid, and it can be taken every 12 or 24 hours.

Pregnant women receive lung injection in the form of two doses during two days, where one dose is given daily by intramuscular injection, according to the physician's discretion.

In emergency situations that do not allow waiting for two days, a pregnant woman can take a single dose of the lung needle if she needs to give birth early due to placental abruption or for other reasons that require giving birth before the 34th week of pregnancy.

When does the effect of lung needle on the fetus begin?

 

The effect of the lung needle starts two days after taking the first dose and lasts up to a week. Usually, the doctor prescribes two doses of the needle, and in some cases, he recommends four doses.

It is important to note that the entire dose of the lung needle contains 12 milligrams of steroids, and can be taken every 12 or 24 hours.

The pregnant woman receives the lung needle in the form of two doses during two days, where one dose is given daily by intramuscular injection, according to the doctor's discretion.

In emergency situations that do not allow waiting for two days, a pregnant woman can take a single dose of the lung needle if she needs to give birth early due to placental abruption or for other reasons that require giving birth before the 34th week of pregnancy.

Does needle lung lead to weight gain?

 

Lung injection does not lead to weight gain, even though it contains cortisone, which is known as a side effect of weight gain. This is because this needle is given in small doses and used for two days only. Studies have shown that the pulmonary needle does not cause weight gain. However, there are some cases that have seen weight gain after childbirth, and it is believed that the most likely cause is the pulmonary needle.

The pulmonary needle affects the movement of the fetus for a period not exceeding two days. During this period, the movement of the fetus should be monitored, and the number of movements should not be less than 10.

Among the possible negative effects of using the lung needle, the pregnant mother may have difficulty sleeping. You can also experience some problems in the nervous system and the immune system.

**Pneumonia before cesarean delivery**

There are some pregnancy situations that require the mother to take the lung needle for the fetus. In the following, we present these cases:

Cesarean delivery is considered one of the cases in which the doctor recommends giving the lung needle, because of the possibility of giving birth before the fetus's lungs are fully developed.

Including other cases of pregnancy with one or more fetuses

The presence of increased vaginal secretions indicates that the due date of delivery is approaching.

The birth of children of beginners.

Pregnancy through al-Haqan al-Mujahri or any other industrial methods.

It is also recommended to give the needle while the pregnant woman is consuming certain types of tobacco or alcohol.

**Ibra al-Runa: What is the appropriate dose for asthma?**

 

Determining the number of doses that a pregnant woman can take depends on the doctor's diagnosis of the condition of the fetus and the health of the mother. Here are some guidelines:

- One dose of this drug is given to pregnant women who expect to give birth early, during the period from the 24th week to the 34th week of pregnancy.

- If this is the first time that the pregnant woman is having the injection, the injection should be given during the seven days between the 34th and 37th week of pregnancy.

- If the injection is repeated, take one dose 14 days before the expected date of premature birth.

- For each case, there is a specific number of doses, where each injection contains 12 mg of the drug, and the doses are taken twice a day for two days.

- In some other health conditions, the doctor recommends taking 6 mg twice a day for two days, or sometimes one and a half ampoules are prescribed twice a day for two days.

It is important to consult a doctor before starting to take Ibr al-Runa, as the dosage may vary depending on the health status of the pregnant woman.

The most important risks associated with short-term neurological disorders or injuries resulting from the employment of pulmonary needles before pregnant women include:

In rare cases, the symptoms of needling in the lungs of a pregnant woman may lead to negative effects on the mother or the fetus, and these effects include:

- Death of the fetus inside the womb.

- Fetus exposure to various inflammations after birth.

- Occurrence of intraventricular bleeding or increased possibility of white matter surrounding the ventricles, or bleeding of white blood cells within the ventricles.

Exposure to respiratory distress syndrome.

- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

- Problems in the adrenal gland.

- Decreased weight of the fetus at birth compared to the normal rate.

- The birth of a child with a very small head circumference.

**Reasons of low fetal movement after lung injection**

The lung injection helps to reduce the complications of premature birth, so taking this injection may lead to a decrease in fetal movement the next day, which is normal as long as the movement is less than 10 movements during the day, but this decrease will not last for more than 48 hours. If this happens, consult a doctor immediately.

On the other hand, there are some possible side effects of lung injection, which are mentioned below:

- Height leads to a decrease in fetal movement, as previously mentioned, so it is recommended to monitor the movements on a daily basis.

- Effects on the mother's immune system and nervous system.

- Increased risk of pulmonary edema, i.e. accumulation of fluid in the lungs during pregnancy.

- The pregnant woman has problems sleeping.

**Damage of the needle of completeness of the lung**

Although the lung fullness needle contributes to improving the growth and maturity of the lungs, it also increases the risk of some health problems for the fetus.

The injection can lead to a decrease in the blood sugar level in the fetus, as well as increase the possibility of high blood pressure in the intestine of the fetus.

**Harms of the needle of complete lung on the mother**
The height of the feeling of burning pain or pain in the position of the elbow for a short time. It can also cause some minor health problems of the mother, such as headaches and nausea.