Betamethasone is a medication administered during pregnancy to individuals at risk of preterm labor. It is a corticosteroid that helps prepare the baby for an earlier-than-expected arrival. This treatment supports the baby’s development, particularly their organ systems, and is a common approach to improving outcomes for babies born prematurely.
Why Betamethasone is Given for Preterm Labor
Betamethasone is given primarily to accelerate the development and maturation of a baby’s lungs. Preterm infants often have underdeveloped organs, especially their lungs, which can lead to serious conditions like neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to insufficient surfactant. Surfactant is a substance that lines the air sacs in the lungs, helping them inflate properly and preventing them from sticking together when the infant breathes.
This medication stimulates the production of surfactant within the baby’s lungs, improving their ability to breathe independently after birth. In addition to lung maturation, betamethasone also helps in the development of other organs. The most beneficial window for administration is within seven days of an anticipated preterm birth.
Betamethasone Dosage and Administration
The standard dosage regimen for betamethasone in preterm labor involves two intramuscular injections. Each dose consists of 12 milligrams (mg) of betamethasone. These two doses are administered 24 hours apart.
This medication is injected into the mother’s arm, leg, or buttocks. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends this specific regimen for individuals at risk of preterm delivery within seven days. While some research has explored multiple courses, current guidelines recommend against repeat courses due to potential negative effects like reduced birth weight and head circumference.
The effectiveness of this treatment is highest when the baby is born between two and seven days after the first injection. This timing allows the corticosteroids to fully influence fetal organ development, maximizing benefits while minimizing potential risks.
Potential Side Effects and What to Expect
For the mother, betamethasone injections can lead to temporary side effects. A common effect is a temporary increase in blood sugar levels, which may cause symptoms like increased thirst or more frequent urination. Healthcare providers may monitor blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with gestational diabetes.
Other potential side effects include a flushed feeling, a warm sensation, or soreness at the injection site. Some individuals may experience mild mood changes, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping. These effects are short-lived and resolve within a day or two after the injections.
Positive Impact on the Baby
Administering betamethasone before preterm birth improves the baby’s health outcomes. The primary benefit is a reduced incidence and severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a common complication in preterm infants. By promoting lung maturity, the medication helps babies breathe more easily after birth.
Beyond lung development, betamethasone also decreases the risk of other complications for the baby. These include a reduced risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) and necrotizing enterocolitis (a severe intestinal infection). This treatment reduces the likelihood of various developmental challenges and decreases infant mortality rates.