Is It Concerning To Receive Two Courses Of Dexona And Betamethasone During Borderline Gestational Diabetes While On Metformin?

Hi, let me answer this in a very straightforward and reassuring way because I can sense you are genuinely concerned about receiving two courses of steroids during pregnancy. First,dexona and betamethasone given in pregnancy are not for the mother. They are mainly given to help in the maturity of the baby s lungs in case your doctor felt there was a risk of early delivery or wanted to be prepared for any complications. These injections are standard everywhere and are considered safe for the baby when used in short courses. Now, to your real question-you have borderline gestational diabetes, and steroids are known to push sugar levels up temporarily. This is absolutely true. Even in women without diabetes, sugars go up for a few days after steroid injections. That is why your doctor increased your metformin briefly during those days. This is the usual approach. What matters is: The steroids were administered in short, limited courses. • They were spaced out by almost two weeks. Your sugars are not dangerously high These numbers are common and manageable in pregnant women receiving steroid shots. Two courses can be justified if your doctor had a medical reason to give the second course, like concerns about preterm labor, low fluid, fetal growth issues, or a plan for early delivery. It is not harmful to the fetus. The temporary blood sugar rises can be managed with dose adjustments. Therefore, No, it is not worrisome from a safety point of view . During pregnancy, both these courses are commonly used as and when needed. It is generally foreseen and managed. In the meaning, keep checking sugars regularly. Share your readings with your obstetric doctor. Let them review whether Metformin alone is enough or any small adjustment is needed. Make sure you attend your next antenatal visit to monitor the growth and fluid of the baby, which is routine in gestational diabetes. If at any point your post-meal sugar starts crossing 160–180 regularly, that does need an in-person evaluation. But from what you ve told me, nothing sounds unsafe or wrongly done. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further query I will be happy to help. Wish you good health. Regards, Dr. Usaid Yousuf, General and Family Physician