In plain words
Antenatal corticosteroids are steroid medicines given to a pregnant person when preterm birth may be near. They help the baby's lungs mature faster. Research has found fewer breathing problems and fewer deaths in babies born early after these medicines. They are usually given between 24 and 34 weeks when delivery is likely within about a week. Late preterm steroids, at 34 to 36 weeks, follow different criteria. They are given for the baby's sake, and your own health is watched too. If you have signs of , such as regular contractions, pressure, or fluid leaking, call your provider right away. Those signs need a check now.
The deeper version
ACOG Practice Bulletin 171 (2016, Management of Preterm Labor) describes a pathway for threatened preterm labor. The diagnosis is confirmed by cervical change or . When preterm birth is likely between viability and 34 weeks, a course of antenatal corticosteroids is used for fetal lung maturation. Short-term may be considered to allow time to complete steroids and arrange transfer. is used for fetal neuroprotection before 32 weeks, and prophylaxis is given as indicated. Late preterm steroids between 34 and 36 weeks follow the ALPS trial criteria (Gyamfi-Bannerman and colleagues, 2016, New England Journal of Medicine). Cochrane reviews (Roberts and Dalziel, 2006) report fewer neonatal respiratory complications and deaths. The controversy concerns repeated courses, late preterm use, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Where it comes up
- Short cervix and signs of preterm laborPregnancy: Your Body
- Braxton Hicks and practice contractionsPregnancy: Your Body
What mothers here say about antenatal corticosteroids
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Practice Bulletin 171: Management of Preterm Labor (2016)
- Roberts D and Dalziel S, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Antenatal corticosteroids for accelerating fetal lung maturation for women at risk of preterm birth (2006)