Antenatal steroid
Antenatal Steroid
Antenatal Steroids (pronunciation: an-tee-nay-tuhl steh-royds) are a type of medication administered to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm birth.
Etymology
The term "antenatal" is derived from the Latin words "ante" meaning "before" and "natal" meaning "birth". "Steroid" is derived from the Greek word "stere" meaning "solid structure", referring to the four-ring structure common to all steroids.
Usage
Antenatal Steroids are used to accelerate the development of the baby's lungs and other organs. This is crucial as it reduces the risk of complications such as Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Intraventricular Hemorrhage that are common in preterm babies.
The most commonly used Antenatal Steroids are Betamethasone and Dexamethasone. These are administered via intramuscular injection, usually in two doses over a 24-hour period.
Related Terms
- Preterm Birth: A birth that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy.
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A breathing disorder that affects newborns, especially those that are born prematurely.
- Intraventricular Hemorrhage: A type of bleeding that occurs in the ventricles, or fluid-filled areas, of the brain.
- Betamethasone: A type of corticosteroid medication.
- Dexamethasone: Another type of corticosteroid medication.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antenatal steroid
- Wikipedia's article - Antenatal steroid
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