How effective is antenatal steroid injection for preterm labour?

Preterm labour means contractions and cervical change may lead to birth before the pregnancy has reached full term. Corticosteroids given before birth can encourage lung maturation, which may make breathing support easier for a premature baby. The benefit is greatest when there is time for the medicine to act, but the maternity team may still recommend it when birth seems close.

The injection is one part of a wider plan. Clinicians may assess the cervix, contractions, infection, bleeding and the baby's heart rate. They may discuss medicines to delay birth briefly, magnesium treatment or transfer to a unit with newborn care, depending on the pregnancy and local services.

Call your maternity unit urgently for regular tightening, pelvic pressure, period-like cramps, backache, fluid leakage or bleeding before your expected birth date. While waiting for advice, note when contractions begin and whether fluid is leaking. Do not drive yourself if you feel unwell or bleeding is heavy.

Tell the team about allergies, diabetes, medicines and previous reactions. Ask when the injection is due, whether you need observation and which symptoms mean you should return immediately. Continue the plan even if contractions ease, because labour can restart.

Seek urgent maternity care for painful regular contractions, vaginal bleeding, suspected waters breaking, fever, severe abdominal pain, faintness or reduced baby movements. These signs can accompany preterm labour or another urgent pregnancy problem. Do not wait for the next routine appointment to see whether symptoms settle.

Ask: How likely is birth soon based on my examination? How could steroids help my baby? Is there time for more than one dose? Do I need transfer to a newborn unit? Which medicines or monitoring will be considered, and what symptoms require an immediate call?