I was given a prescription for Brethine 2.5 mg (lowest oral dose) at about 18 weeks. I did not use the Brethine (also known as terbutaline) at first on a regular basis. I took a pill here or there when I felt contractions more than like 4 an hr. The dose was so low that I only got the jitters the first 3 pills I took then I never felt funny after that. I also was not dilated when I was first started on the Brethine, it was all precautionary use. Some girls are on a dose of 5mg Brethine every 4 -6 hrs. I started on steroids Dexamethasone at 24 weeks and had the injections until week 34. Dexamethasone and Bethamethasone are similar steroids (used to mature lungs) just different dosing and just doctor’s preference which one you get. I had the shots 2 days a week 24 hours apart. The problem with the steroid shots I had was an increase in contractions. I had to take the Brethine every 4 hours sometimes for 3 days after I got the shots each week. The contractions from the shots really scared me. Not everyone has that effect from the shots. The shots for the most part hurt from week to week. For a couple minutes after the injection site burned really bad and then felt like an ache. I also experienced bruising from the injections that did not disappear until long after I delivered. Some other contraction medications that can be used include Procardia (Nifedipine) and Ritodrine, and Magnesium. See additional related links:
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