What is the benefit of using betamethasone in preterm labor?

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is commonly administered during preterm labor to enhance fetal lung maturity. The primary benefit of using betamethasone in this context is its ability to stimulate the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, helping to keep them open and facilitating proper gas exchange after birth. This is crucial for premature infants, who may not have adequately developed lungs.

By promoting fetal lung maturity, betamethasone significantly lowers the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which is a common complication in preterm infants. It is typically given in a series of injections to the mother, ideally before delivery if preterm birth is anticipated, thus providing vital benefits to the fetus in preparation for early delivery.