What is the goal of administering antenatal steroids to a patient in preterm labor?

Administering antenatal steroids to a patient in preterm labor primarily aims to accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Preterm birth occurs before the fetus has fully developed, which can lead to significant complications, particularly regarding the lungs.

Corticosteroids, such as betamethasone or dexamethasone, promote the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, which is crucial for proper lung function at birth. Surfactant helps to reduce surface tension in the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing and facilitating easier breathing. By accelerating lung development, antenatal steroids significantly decrease the likelihood of respiratory distress syndrome, a common complication in preterm infants due to insufficient surfactant.

While it is essential to address other aspects of maternal and fetal health during preterm labor, such as managing contractions or maintaining maternal weight gain, these are not the primary objectives of administering antenatal steroids. Furthermore, while steroids can have an impact on the timing of birth, they do not prevent preterm birth from occurring; they prepare the fetus for the possibility of early delivery.