Threatened preterm labour

Question 1

Why is Betamethasone used in threatened preterm labour?

Answer 1

• promotes maturation of fetal lungs
• decreased rate of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular haemorrhage and neonatal death
• reduction in cerbroventricular haemorrhage and necrotising enterocholitis
• does not seem to have any negative long term outcomes for mother or baby

Question 2

What is the usual route and dose of Betamethasone for threatened preterm labour?

Answer 2

• one dose 11.4mg (2 x 5.7ml ampoules) IM, repeat 24 hours if possible
• usually offered if premature birth likely in next 7 days, lack of evidence about repeated doses

Question 3

What are the most common side effects/ contraindications of Betamethasone?

Answer 3

may reduce fetal heart rate varibalility, fetal movements and breathing activity for 2-3 days

• may cause sever transient hyperglycaemia in women with diabetes
• contraindicated in women with a systemic infection

Question 4

At what gestations are corticosteroids usually considered?

Answer 4

• 23 to 34 weeks gestation for women at risk of preterm labour
• insufficient evidence, but may be beneficial for later gestations, particularly for elective caesareans between 37-39 weeks

Question 5

What is the trade name for betamethasone?

Answer 5

Celestone Chronodase