How does betamethasone steroid work?

vsalt31

In non medical terms, can someone explain how this series works? I'm asked enough that I need an intelligent answer. TIA

Mrs. Alice

Without looking it up again, the steroid is supposed to cause the fetus to produce their own surfactant in their lungs which is a necessary substance for the lungs to be able to expand and oxygenate once they are born.  (someone correct me if I am wrong!).

vsalt31

Thanks Ladies!!

Kadyra

Basically it acts like the adrenal gland does during stress. It's thought that stress due to pre e, iugr, ptl, etc cause the fetal adrenal gland to prep the baby for life on the outside. That's why it's thought to increase surfactant production. It also decreases inflammation and can help prevent nec and ivh.