A pregnant woman believed to be at 26 weeks gestation has been admitted for premature labor. What should be administered to this woman to decrease the risk of RDS if the infant is delivered prematurely?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antenatal steroids have been extensively studied and have been shown to decrease RDS in infants between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. There is no increased infection risk with rupture of membranes including prolonged rupture of membranes or chorioamnionitis. A single course of corticosteroids is currently recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for pregnant women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days. This course may consist of betamethasone (2 doses, 24 hours apart) or dexamethasone (4 doses, 12 hours apart). A single rescue course may be considered if the first course was given more than 2 weeks prior in women less than 32 6/7 weeks of gestation who are likely to deliver within the next week. Additional repeat courses have not demonstrated any benefit, may be associated with poorer outcomes, and are not recommended.

A Pregnant Woman Believed to Be at 26 Weeks Gestation