Watch Antenatal Steroid Video

Antenatal steroids are medications given to pregnant women expecting preterm delivery. They have been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality of hyaline membrane disease. Betamethasone and dexamethasone are used with the intention to help the lungs of a premature fetus develop before the fetus comes out. They are given when the fetus is expected to be delivered within 24 to 48 hours....  MORE

Antenatal steroids are medications given to pregnant women expecting preterm delivery. They have been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality of hyaline membrane disease. Betamethasone and dexamethasone are used with the intention to help the lungs of a premature fetus develop before the fetus comes out. They are given when the fetus is expected to be delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Treatment consists of 2 doses of 12 mg of betamethasone given intramuscularly 24 hours apart or 4 doses of 6 mg of dexamethasone given intramuscularly 12 hours apart. Optimal benefit begins 24 hours after initiation of therapy and lasts 7 days. Betamethasone is preferred over dexamethasone because it is thought to have better prophylaxis of brain softening of premature fetus. Antenatal steroids are currently used up to 36 weeks in some parts of the world obstetric practice. It may also reduce risk of intraventricular hemorrhage. The time between administration of steroids and delivery may alter the effectiveness of the steroids. LESS