If you got an amnio for lung development (and had gestational diabetes)...

[Headmeister]

I'm 36+ weeks and my gestational diabetes is suddenly getting much better, out of the blue, This could be a sign on placental deterioration, so I'm being monitored every day with a biophysical profile (ultrasound) and non-stress test on the baby. On Monday I'm going to be admitted and an amnio will be done that morning to see if the baby's lungs are mature enough to deliver me on Tuesday.

Besides wanting to know what the amnio feels like, I'm wondering if any of you have had an amnio to test lung development and if so, what was the earliest your baby's lungs were ready?

Thanks

[GuildJenn]

Not so much for the amnio but for the lungs -

My sister didn't have the actual amnio that I know of but she definitely had lung drama - she went into preterm labour at 24.5 weeks and was on drugs and absolute bed pan-only bedrest for 9 weeks.

She was given the steroid shot for the baby's lungs right at the 24.5 week mark. Her baby was born just shy of 34 weeks with very few lung issues - she had RSV once - and she's a healthy and happy one year old now.

[liseux]

I've had 2 lung amnios, one at 36 weeks 0 days and one at 37 weeks, due to rh sensitization. Both times baby was ready & needed no help breathing outside of a little chest PT. No NICU or separation. My husband was the one to do the chest PT.

As for how it feels, well, its not very pleasant, but its not that bad either. One I watched, one I didn't watch. I think the one where my eyes were closed actually was easier. I would say its not as painful as you might think, but the feeling of entering the uterus can cause a contraction & its not easy to deal with b/c you have to stay very still. If I had to do it again I might bring music or ask them to put a radio on. It does go pretty fast & then I highly recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day. Good luck!