Betamethasone given in preterm labor is intended to promote which neonatal outcome?

Betamethasone given in preterm labor is intended to promote which neonatal outcome?

• A. Enhances fetal lung maturity
• B. Delays delivery
• C. Prevents membrane rupture
• D. Stops contractions

Answer: (A)

Betamethasone in this setting is used to accelerate fetal lung development. It crosses the placenta and stimulates the maturation of type II pneumocytes, increasing the production and release of surfactant. Surfactant lowers alveolar surface tension, keeps the air sacs open after birth, and improves lung compliance, which reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm newborns. This outcome is about preparing the baby’s lungs for breathing air after birth, not delaying labor, preventing membrane rupture, or stopping contractions.

Betamethasone in this setting is used to accelerate fetal lung development. It crosses the placenta and stimulates the maturation of type II pneumocytes, increasing the production and release of surfactant. Surfactant lowers alveolar surface tension, keeps the air sacs open after birth, and improves lung compliance, which reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm newborns. This outcome is about preparing the baby’s lungs for breathing air after birth, not delaying labor, preventing membrane rupture, or stopping contractions.