European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW OF UTILIZING ANTENATAL CORTICOSTEROIDS IN GROUPS AT RISK OF PRETERM BIRTH

Alaa Mohammed Al Shorman*, Mohammad Mahmoud Alfarajat, Heba Jamal Otoom and Ahmad Anwer Alhroob

ABSTRACT

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of preterm births, since this pregnancy complication, which remains a major cause of perinatal morbidity and death, is complex and difficult to anticipate in many situations. Many bibliographic sources support the notion that preterm birth has a hereditary propensity. The "recurrence" of preterm birth in women, as well as its increasing frequency in ethnic groups, shows a link to genetic variables, either as such or because of gene-environment interactions. Preterm babies need to stay in a special nursery unit at the hospital. Some infants need to spend time in a unit that cares for them and closely tracks their health day and night. This is called a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A step down from the NICU is an intermediate care nursery, which provides less intensive care. Special nursery units are staffed with healthcare providers and a team that's trained to help preterm babies.

Keywords: Premature, Preterm Infants, Antenatal Corticosteroids, Placenta, Fetus, Developing Lungs and Tocolytic Drugs.