What effect does betamethasone have on fetal development when administered to pregnant women?

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is often administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm labor or those delivering preterm infants. Its primary role in this context is to promote fetal lung maturity. When given to women in preterm labor, betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, which is crucial for adequate respiratory function after birth. This process significantly reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications associated with premature delivery.

Promoting lung maturity is particularly vital as it facilitates the development of alveoli and enhances the lung’s ability to function effectively after birth. This action can play a critical role in improving outcomes for premature infants.

The other options relate to different potential implications of corticosteroid use during pregnancy, but they do not accurately describe the primary effect of betamethasone on fetal development. Understanding the specific action of betamethasone in enhancing lung maturity underscores its importance in obstetric care for women experiencing preterm labor.