When is antenatal steroid injection recommended for preterm labour?

Preterm labour involves contractions and changes to the cervix before the expected time of birth. The team considers pregnancy stage, contraction pattern, cervical findings, fetal wellbeing, infection, bleeding, and whether labour can be delayed. Corticosteroids can help mature a baby’s lungs and may support other organs if birth occurs early. The recommendation is individual because the balance changes with the condition of the mother and baby.

Call your maternity unit if you have regular tightening, pelvic pressure, low back pain, fluid leakage, or bleeding before your expected birth. Do not drive yourself if symptoms are severe. At assessment, clinicians may monitor contractions and the fetal heart rate, examine the cervix, and discuss steroids or other care. More detail is available in [Preterm Labour](/conditions/preterm-labour/) and [Antenatal Steroid Injection](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-corticosteroid-injection/).

Seek immediate maternity care for heavy bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, a gush or continuous leak of fluid, fever, faintness, or reduced fetal movements. Prompt assessment helps identify labour, membrane rupture, infection, or another pregnancy concern.

Ask how the diagnosis was made, how early birth is being assessed, what the injection schedule involves, and what monitoring or support may be needed after birth.