Antenatal steroid

Antenatal Steroids are medications given to pregnant women who are at risk of delivering prematurely. These steroids, such as betamethasone and dexamethasone, are administered to accelerate the development of the baby's lungs, brain, and other organs.

Indications

Antenatal steroids are typically indicated for women who are at risk of preterm birth between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. They may also be given to women at risk of late preterm birth (34 to 36 weeks of gestation) if they have not previously received them.

Benefits

The primary benefit of antenatal steroids is the reduction in the incidence and severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. They also reduce the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and infant death.

Risks

While antenatal steroids have significant benefits, they also carry potential risks. These include an increased risk of infection in the mother, potential effects on the baby's growth and development, and possible impact on the mother's mental health.

Administration

Antenatal steroids are usually administered as two injections, 24 hours apart. The medication is given into the muscle, usually in the upper arm or buttock.

See Also

• Preterm birth
• Respiratory distress syndrome
• Intraventricular hemorrhage
• Necrotizing enterocolitis