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Is Dexamethasone Safe During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Fri, 29 Jan 2016
Question: Hello Doctor,
My wife is now pregnant with IVF and our fertility specialist has prescribed Dexamethasone.
I have only slightly elevated NK Cells.My beta is doubling nicely.
she is also on aspirin,she started dexamethasone 3 days before.
Her blood used to not clot so quickly as it did today on aspirin.Do you think dexamethasone cause clotting issues.Do i need heparin or stronger aspirin?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No need of another medicines

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns.

Aspirin given after IVF is low dose (75 mg) and is not necessarily associated with visible clotting reduction. This is enough for improving blood circulation and growth of baby.

More over dexamethasone does not interfere in aspirin actions to cause clotting problem. I don't see any reason to change over to heparin or another medicines.

Let me know if you need anymore help.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (3 days later)
Thank you so much doctor.just couple more questions.

My Wife is on dexamethasone 0.75 mg until 10 weeks and then taper of in next week.Is this dose safe for the baby.How and when you think she should ideally taper off.?

Also how much activity and weight lifting is allowed in first trimester of pregnancy,we have heard different advice from different doctors and hence are confused.
Is going for regular computer desk job and taking stairs fine?

Again thanks and appreciate your help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
She can work

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

She can work in office and climb stairs. That gives her enough exercise. No additional exercise required. Weight lifting needs to be avoided during pregnancy.

Dexamethasone can be reduced to 0.5 mg for 3 days and to 0.25 mg for next 3 days before stopping completely.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (1 hour later)
one last question dr XXXXXXX

In general is dexamethasone safe during pregnancy?
Our betas are doubling nicely,but her FS gives it to people with high NK cells,she has only slightly elevated

I am sorry to bother you,but my wife has read something on internet about dexamethasone and is anxious since then.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Stop Dexamethasone

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Dexamethasone should not be continued beyond first trimester as it is not safe.

Slightly elevated NK cells are not a matter of worry. Discontinue Dexamethasone soon as it has different set of side effects.

In future you can directly contact me by pasting following link in your browser:

http://bit.ly/askdrmaheshkoregol
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mahesh Koregol

Infertility Specialist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3836 Questions

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Is Dexamethasone Safe During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: No need of another medicines Detailed Answer: Hi, I understand your concerns. Aspirin given after IVF is low dose (75 mg) and is not necessarily associated with visible clotting reduction. This is enough for improving blood circulation and growth of baby. More over dexamethasone does not interfere in aspirin actions to cause clotting problem. I don't see any reason to change over to heparin or another medicines. Let me know if you need anymore help. Regards