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Is prednisolone safe to take in pregnancy?
Steroid treatment has been used for many years in pregnancy and is thought to be safe. Prednisolone (the usual steroid used) is metabolised by the placenta and very little of the active drug reaches the fetus. Steroid use in pregnancy is not associated with any increase in miscarriage rate, congenital malformations, or other adverse effects upon the fetus. Steroid treatment is usually started at a high dose and then reduced to maintain an adequate platelet level (above 50). If the woman is on more than 7.5 mg for more than two weeks, she then requires intravenous steroid treatment for the delivery. There is an increased risk of gestational diabetes in women on steroid therapy, and for this reason regular blood tests are needed to look for this. When babies are born prematurely, the major problems arise because of immaturity of the lungs. Steroids are used if a baby is going to be delivered before 35 weeks gestation and are very effective in promoting maturation of the baby's lungs.
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