antenatal steroids
Corticosteroids administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to accelerate fetal lung maturation.
Full Definition
Antenatal steroids, typically betamethasone or dexamethasone, are corticosteroids administered to pregnant women between 24-34 weeks gestation who are at risk of delivering within seven days. These medications cross the placenta and accelerate fetal lung maturation by stimulating surfactant production and structural lung development. The standard course consists of two intramuscular injections given 24 hours apart, with maximum benefit achieved 24-48 hours after completion. Antenatal steroids significantly reduce the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and neonatal death. The treatment also accelerates maturation of other organ systems including the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Evidence strongly supports the use of antenatal steroids as one of the most effective interventions for improving outcomes in preterm infants.
Usage
Usage note: Standard of care for threatened preterm delivery; document timing relative to delivery for prognostic purposes.
In Context
- "The patient received a complete course of antenatal steroids 36 hours before delivery at 28 weeks gestation." — Delivery summary
- "Antenatal steroid administration was associated with a 40% reduction in respiratory distress syndrome in this cohort." — Research publication