Which medication is administered to promote fetal lung maturity in preterm labor management?

Which medication is administered to promote fetal lung maturity in preterm labor management?

• A. Betamethasone 12 mg IM now
• B. Lactated Ringer's at 150 mL/hr via continuous IV infusion
• C. Terbutaline 0.25 mg SQ
• D. Oxygen at 10 L/min

Answer: (A)

Antenatal corticosteroids are given in suspected preterm birth to speed up fetal lung maturation by increasing surfactant production. Betamethasone 12 mg IM is the classic regimen because it stimulates the fetal lungs to produce surfactant, improving lung compliance and reducing the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome when delivery is likely preterm. The goal is to give these steroids before birth if possible within the next 7 days and before about 34 weeks' gestation (some protocols extend to later gestations in specific scenarios). Other options shown don’t promote fetal lung maturity: IV fluids support maternal hydration, a tocolytic would aim to stop contractions, and supplemental oxygen provides respiratory support rather than accelerating lung development.

Antenatal corticosteroids are given in suspected preterm birth to speed up fetal lung maturation by increasing surfactant production. Betamethasone 12 mg IM is the classic regimen because it stimulates the fetal lungs to produce surfactant, improving lung compliance and reducing the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome when delivery is likely preterm. The goal is to give these steroids before birth if possible within the next 7 days and before about 34 weeks' gestation (some protocols extend to later gestations in specific scenarios). Other options shown don’t promote fetal lung maturity: IV fluids support maternal hydration, a tocolytic would aim to stop contractions, and supplemental oxygen provides respiratory support rather than accelerating lung development.