Testing a lower steroid dose to prevent breathing problems in late preterm babies

This trial is testing whether pregnant women at risk of delivering a baby in the late preterm period (between 34 and 37 weeks) benefit from a lower dose of betamethasone, a steroid medication that helps protect babies' lungs. Doctors have used a standard dose of this medication for years to reduce breathing problems in premature babies, but researchers want to know if a quarter of that dose works just as well while potentially causing fewer side effects.

While steroids have been proven to help very premature babies, their use in late preterm pregnancies is less clear, and there are concerns about possible harmful effects like low blood sugar in newborns. This study aims to find the smallest effective dose that protects babies' lungs without unnecessary risks.