Preterm Labor - Corticosteroids

Betamethasone

Purpose:

• Given to mothers who are preterm from 24 weeks to 33 weeks and 6 days.

• Helps with fetal lung maturity.

• Promotes surfactant - helps lubricate lungs, prevents air sacs from sticking during newborns first breaths.

Dose/Route:

• 2 doses of 12 mg IM injections 24 hours apart

Comments:

• A (repeat) rescue course can be given if < 34 weeks and the prior course of corticosteroids was given > 14 days before

• First dose of steroids should still be given even if it is unlikely the pregnancy will continue until next dose

Dexamethasone

Purpose:

• Given to mothers who are preterm from 24 weeks to 33 weeks and 6 days.

• Helps with fetal lung maturity.

• Promotes surfactant - helps lubricate lungs, prevents air sacs from sticking during newborns first breaths.

Dose/Route:

• 4 dose of 6 mg IM injections every 12 hours

Comments:

• A (repeat) rescue course can be given is < 34 weeks and the prior course of corticosteroids were given > 14 days

• First dose should still be given even if it is unlikely the pregnancy will continue until next dose

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