Effect of Antenatal Corticosteroids on Neonatal Morbidity.

Effect of Antenatal Corticosteroids on Neonatal Morbidity.

It will be a randomized controlled trial. There will be two study groups. Study group 1 will be given dexamethasone while study group 2 will be given betamethasone. The control group will be given placebo.

The study will be a double blind randomised controlled trial. There will be two study groups and one control group.

The first study group will be the pregnant women at risk of late preterm birth that will receive antenatal corticosteroids in the form of intramuscular dexamethasone sodium phosphate.

The second study group will be the pregnant women at risk of late preterm birth that will receive antenatal corticosteroids in the form of intramuscular betamethasone sodium phosphate.

The control group will be pregnant women at risk of late preterm birth that will be given intramuscular water for injection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women at 34 weeks 0 days to 36 weeks 6 days of gestation and a probability of delivery in the late preterm period irrespective of diagnosis who give consent.
• Pregnant women at 34 weeks 0 days to 36 weeks 6 days of gestation scheduled for elective/emergency delivery in the late preterm period irrespective of indication and route of delivery who give consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence of Chrioamnionitis.
• Evidence of foetal distress.
• History of use of antenatal corticosteroids in index pregnancy.
• Women who do not give consent.