Which medication is used to help mature the fetal lungs in pregnant women?

Betamethasone, a corticosteroid, is used to help mature fetal lungs in pregnant women, particularly in cases where preterm birth is anticipated. The medication works by stimulating the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, which is essential for reducing surface tension and preventing the alveoli from collapsing after birth. This is particularly important for infants born prematurely, as they often lack adequate surfactant and are at risk for respiratory distress syndrome.

Administering betamethasone to the mother typically occurs when there is a risk of preterm labor, usually between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. The onset of its effects can significantly improve the newborn's lung function and overall chances of survival, making it a critical intervention in obstetric care.

In contrast, magnesium sulfate is primarily used to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia and has some neuroprotective benefits for the fetal brain, but it does not specifically mature the lungs. Terbutaline is a tocolytic agent that helps delay preterm labor by relaxing the uterine muscles but does not support lung maturation. Nifedipine, another tocolytic, is used to manage high blood pressure and also help delay labor, but it is not