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What is Makena?
Makena is a medication that contains a synthetic form of progesterone, which is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body. It is used to help prevent premature birth in women who have had a previous premature birth. Makena is given as a weekly injection starting at 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy and continuing until 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Does Makena Help With The Baby’s Lung Development?
While Makena is not specifically designed to help with the baby’s lung development, it can indirectly contribute to it. Premature birth is a leading cause of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborns, which occurs when the baby’s lungs are not fully developed. By helping to prevent premature birth, Makena can help to reduce the risk of RDS and other complications that can result from premature birth.
What Are The Risks and Benefits of Makena?
The benefits of Makena include a reduced risk of premature birth, which can help to prevent complications such as RDS, cerebral palsy, and other developmental delays. However, Makena is not without risks. Some women may experience side effects such as pain, swelling, or itching at the injection site, headaches, nausea, or vomiting. In rare cases, Makena has been associated with blood clots, which can be life-threatening.
Who is a Good Candidate for Makena?
Makena is typically recommended for women who have had a previous premature birth and are at risk of having another premature birth. Your doctor can help determine if Makena is right for you based on your medical history, age, and other factors.
Conclusion
While Makena is not specifically designed to help with the baby’s lung development, it can indirectly contribute to it by helping to prevent premature birth. If you are at risk of premature birth, talk to your doctor about whether Makena is right for you.Frequently Asked Questions:Q: How does Makena work?A: Makena contains a synthetic form of progesterone, which helps to prevent premature birth.Q: What are the side effects of Makena?A: Some women may experience side effects such as pain, swelling, or itching at the injection site, headaches, nausea, or vomiting.Q: Who is a good candidate for Makena?A: Makena is typically recommended for women who have had a previous premature birth and are at risk of having another premature birth.Q: Can Makena help with the baby’s lung development?A: While Makena is not specifically designed to help with the baby’s lung development, it can indirectly contribute to it by helping to prevent premature birth.Q: What are the risks and benefits of Makena?A: The benefits of Makena include a reduced risk of premature birth, which can help to prevent complications such as RDS, cerebral palsy, and other developmental delays. However, Makena is not without risks.