Antenatal steroid

Antenatal steroids are steroidsgiven before birth. Betamethasoneand dexamethasoneare used with the intention to help the lungsof a premature fetusdevelop before the fetus comes out. They are given when the fetus is expected to be delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Bethamethasone is preferred over dexamethasone because it is thought to have better prophylaxisof brainsoftening of premature fetus. Antenatal steroids are currently used up to 36 weeks in some parts of the world obstetricpractice.

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