antenatal corticosteroids

Antenatal corticosteroids are medications given to pregnant women at risk of preterm labor, typically before 34 weeks of pregnancy. These steroids help accelerate the development of the baby’s lungs, making them more mature and better prepared for breathing outside the womb. This treatment can significantly reduce complications like breathing difficulties, brain problems, and even death in preterm infants. It is usually administered through injections over one or two days and is considered a safe, standard practice to improve outcomes for babies born too early.