Clinical Inquiries: What are the benefits/risks of giving betamethasone to women at risk of late preterm labor?

Giving betamethasone to women at risk for delivery between 34 weeks 0 days and 36 weeks 6 days can lower by almost 40% the incidence of transient tachypnea of the newborn, severe respiratory distress syndrome, and the use of surfactant (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, systematic review of randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Betamethasone may increase neonatal hypoglycemia, but the hypoglycemia isn't associated with a prolonged hospital stay or other negative outcomes.